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Lead Mass Concentration in Urine (24-hour collection)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of lead found in your urine over a full day. It helps assess long-term exposure to lead, often used in monitoring children or individuals with known lead poisoning.

Quick summary

["A 24-hour urine lead test checks for ongoing lead exposure in your body."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
5676-2
Short code
Lead Ur-mCnc
Synonyms
Lead Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of lead poisoning (such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or neurological issues), if you work in an environment with lead exposure, or if you have a condition like anemia or developmental delays in children. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress in lead poisoning cases.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll collect all your urine over a 24-hour period, starting after midnight on one day and ending just after midnight the next. Drink plenty of water to help flush lead from your body. Avoid certain medications (like some vitamins or supplements) that might affect results, and inform your doctor about any lead exposure you’ve had recently.

How the Test Is Performed

You’ll use a special container to collect all urine for 24 hours. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The lab measures the total lead content in your urine, which reflects how much lead has been processed by your body over time.

What the Results Mean

Results are reported in micrograms (µg) of lead per gram of creatinine (a urine marker). Higher levels may indicate chronic lead exposure or poisoning. Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your medical history and symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Lead Urine Test

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your doctor will contact you once they’re ready to discuss the findings.
What causes false high or low results?
False high results may occur if you didn’t collect urine correctly (e.g., missing the first morning void) or if you consumed certain medications or supplements. False low results are less common but can happen if lead exposure was recent or if urine was improperly stored.
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
No, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test, as it may affect urine volume and lead measurement. Stick to water to ensure accurate results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy