24-Hour Total Protein Intake Assessment
This test measures the total amount of protein you consume over a 24-hour period, helping healthcare providers evaluate your dietary protein intake.
["Understanding your protein consumption can guide dietary planning and nutritional support."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75299-8
- Short code
- Protein intake 24h Est
- Synonyms
- Protein intake 24h Est
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- estimated
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have concerns about protein intake, such as malnutrition, kidney disease, or need for dietary adjustments. It helps ensure you’re meeting your body’s protein needs without excess.
How the Test Works
You’ll keep a record of all foods and beverages containing protein (meat, dairy, legumes, etc.) for 24 hours. A healthcare professional may review your log or use a specialized dietary tool to calculate total intake.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond recording your usual diet. Avoid unusual dietary changes before testing to ensure accurate results.
What to Expect During the Test
No blood, urine, or other lab samples are drawn. Instead, you’ll document your protein consumption daily, often with guidance from a dietitian or nutritionist.
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.
Proper protein intake is critical for tissue repair, immune function, and overall health. Low intake may indicate malnutrition or dietary deficiencies, while high intake could signal excess protein needs or kidney strain. This test helps tailor dietary advice to your specific health goals.
Short name
24h Protein Intake
Frequently asked questions
How is protein intake measured?
Does this test require fasting?
What if I forget to record some foods?
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