24-Hour Free Procollagen III N-Terminal Peptide Urine Test
This test measures the amount of a specific protein fragment (free procollagen III N-terminal peptide) found in your urine over 24 hours. It helps assess collagen production and tissue breakdown, often linked to conditions affecting connective tissue.
["This urine test can help track collagen-related health and identify potential issues in connective tissue over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32022-6
- Short code
- OH-Proline Free 24h Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- OH-Proline Free 24h Ur-sCnc
- 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 have symptoms or conditions related to abnormal collagen production, such as certain connective tissue disorders, scarring, or chronic inflammation. It may also be used to monitor treatment responses in patients with conditions like scleroderma or other fibrotic diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required. Collect your urine over a full 24-hour period, starting and ending with your first and last voids of the day. Store the urine in a refrigerator until testing.
How the Test Is Performed
The test involves measuring the concentration of free procollagen III N-terminal peptide in your urine sample. This is done using a specialized laboratory method to detect and quantify the protein fragment.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on clinical context, symptoms, and other test results. Elevated levels may suggest increased collagen breakdown or tissue damage, while lower levels might indicate reduced collagen production or less tissue turnover.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
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 of free procollagen III N-terminal peptide in urine can indicate ongoing tissue remodeling or fibrosis, which may be associated with conditions such as kidney disease, liver fibrosis, or certain autoimmune disorders. It can also help monitor the progression or response to treatment in patients with known connective tissue disorders.
Short name
Free procollagen III urine
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low result mean?
How often should this test be repeated?
Is there any risk or side effect associated with this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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