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Creatinine, 24-Hour Urine — Pregnancy

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

Measures creatinine in urine collected over 24 hours to assess urinary creatinine excretion and help evaluate kidney function during pregnancy.

Quick summary

["This test measures how much creatinine is released in urine over one day, which can help assess kidney function and urine collection adequacy."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
39566-5
Short code
Pregntrl/Creat 24h Ur
Synonyms
Pregntrl/Creat 24h Ur
Category
kidney
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

What is this test?

This test measures the amount of creatinine in all urine collected over 24 hours. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles and filtered by the kidneys. The pregnancy designation indicates that the test was ordered in a pregnancy-related clinical context.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may use this test to evaluate kidney function during pregnancy, particularly when there is concern about urinary protein loss or other pregnancy-related kidney issues. It may also help determine whether a 24-hour urine collection captured the expected amount of urine.

How is the test performed?

You collect all urine for exactly 24 hours into a labeled container provided by the laboratory or clinic. The urine is then submitted for creatinine measurement, and the result is reported with the collection time and total urine volume.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your care team and note the date and time you begin. Avoid missing urine or collecting it outside the specified 24-hour period. Tell the clinic if you are pregnant, menstruating, taking medications, or have a urinary tract infection, as these factors may affect interpretation.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urine Creatinine

Frequently asked questions

Why is a 24-hour urine collection needed?
A timed collection measures the total amount of an analyte released over a full day rather than its concentration in a single specimen. This can provide information about daily urinary excretion.
Does this test diagnose preeclampsia?
No. It does not diagnose preeclampsia by itself. Blood pressure, urine protein assessment, symptoms, and other clinical findings are needed to evaluate that condition.
What if I miss part of the collection?
Tell the clinic, because an incomplete collection can make the result unreliable. The care team may advise repeating the test or using another method to assess kidney function.
  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