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Proteinuria Rate (24-Hour Urine Collection)

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

This test measures how much protein appears in your urine over a full day, helping identify kidney function or kidney-related conditions.

Quick summary

["Assesses kidney health by tracking protein loss in urine over 24 hours."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
53121-0
Short code
Prot 1h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
Prot 1h Ur-mRate
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 like swelling, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. It’s also used to monitor kidney disease progression or response to treatment.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours in a special container. Drink plenty of water but avoid foods that may affect urine color (e.g., beets, berries). Report any changes in urine volume or symptoms to your provider.

How the Test Works

Your urine sample is analyzed to measure the total protein excreted daily. Results help determine if protein is leaking from your kidneys into urine.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal protein levels may signal kidney damage, diabetes, or other conditions. Your doctor will compare results to your symptoms and other tests for diagnosis.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Protein in Urine Rate

Frequently asked questions

How is this test different from a random urine protein test?
A 24-hour urine protein test gives a full picture of daily protein loss, while a random test only checks a single sample. This test is more accurate for diagnosing kidney issues over time.
Can diet affect my results?
Yes, some foods (like salt or protein-rich foods) may temporarily increase protein in urine. Your provider may ask you to avoid these or adjust your diet during testing.
What if I have kidney disease and this test is abnormal?
If results are high, your doctor may recommend further tests (like kidney function tests) or treatments to slow kidney damage. Follow-up may include monitoring protein levels and managing blood pressure/diabetes.
  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