Total Protein in Urine (24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the total amount of protein excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Protein in urine can sometimes indicate kidney problems or other health conditions.
["Measuring urine protein helps assess kidney function and detect potential kidney damage or other systemic issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101910-8
- Short code
- Protein mono pnl 24 Hr Ur
- Synonyms
- Protein mono pnl 24 Hr Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling in your legs, frequent urination, or blood in your urine. It’s also used to monitor kidney disease, diabetes, or other conditions that affect protein levels in the body.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, typically starting after midnight one day and ending the same time the next day. Drink plenty of fluids to help your urine flow evenly. Avoid certain medications or foods that might affect protein levels before testing.
How the Test Is Performed
You’ll provide a 24-hour urine sample in a special container. The lab will analyze the sample to measure the total protein content. No special preparation is needed beyond collecting the urine as instructed.
Possible Results and Their Meaning
Higher-than-normal protein levels in urine may signal kidney problems, such as nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis. Lower-than-normal levels might indicate dehydration or certain liver or digestive issues. Your results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-Hour Urine Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated urine protein?
What does it mean if my urine protein is normal?
Can diet affect urine protein levels?
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