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24-Hour Urine Measurement of Ephedrine (Total)

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

This test measures the total amount of ephedrine, a stimulant found in some dietary supplements and medications, over a 24-hour period in your urine.

Quick summary

["Assesses long-term exposure to ephedrine from supplements or medications."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
3805-9
Short code
Me-ePHEDrine 24h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
Me-ePHEDrine 24h Ur-mRate
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
20
Ref high
400
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82670
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 healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking ephedrine-containing products (e.g., weight-loss aids, cold remedies) and want to monitor your intake or check for potential side effects. It’s also used in certain legal or workplace drug screening contexts.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in a sterile container. Drink plenty of water to help flush out the substance. Avoid taking ephedrine-containing products before testing unless instructed otherwise.

What Happens During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond the urine collection. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to measure total ephedrine levels.

What the Results Mean

Results indicate the cumulative amount of ephedrine excreted in urine. Higher levels may suggest recent use of ephedrine products, while very low levels could indicate none or minimal exposure.

Reference range

Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Elevated levels may raise concerns about stimulant use, potential side effects (e.g., heart palpitations, anxiety), or compliance with treatment plans. Low levels may confirm absence of recent exposure or adherence to restrictions.

Short name

24h Urine Ephedrine

Frequently asked questions

How long does urine collection take?
Urine collection spans 24 hours, typically from one morning to the next. You’ll need to record all urine output in a container provided by your lab.
Can I drink alcohol during urine collection?
Alcohol itself won’t interfere with the test, but it may dilute urine and affect measurement accuracy. Stick to water or clear liquids unless advised otherwise.
What if I miss a urine sample?
If you miss any urine output, you’ll need to restart the collection from the next morning. Incomplete samples may require retesting to ensure accuracy.
  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