Serum/plasma Substance Concentration (General) – Free Prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) Metabolite (24-hour urine)
This test measures the amount of a natural substance called prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and its breakdown products in your urine over 24 hours. PGE₂ is involved in regulating inflammation, pain, and other bodily functions.
["Assesses long-term prostaglandin activity in your body through urine samples."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18517-3
- Short code
- QRS axis FP RefB
- Synonyms
- QRS axis FP RefB
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ekg
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if they suspect conditions affecting prostaglandin levels, such as chronic pain syndromes, inflammatory diseases, or certain types of arthritis. It can also help monitor treatment responses in conditions linked to prostaglandin activity.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period in a special container. Typically, you start collecting urine after midnight on one day and continue until midnight the next day. Drink plenty of fluids to help your urine flow normally. Avoid certain medications that might affect prostaglandin levels, as discussed with your doctor.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is required beyond the 24-hour urine collection. The collected urine is sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the total amount of PGE₂ metabolites in your urine, which reflects your body’s ongoing production of this substance.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range that varies by lab. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like arthritis, certain cancers, or other inflammatory processes. Lower levels could indicate reduced prostaglandin activity, though this is less common. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your health history and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Prostaglandin E₂ plays a role in pain signaling, inflammation, and gastrointestinal function. Elevated levels in urine may indicate chronic inflammation, pain conditions, or certain cancers. This test can help diagnose or monitor conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or assess responses to treatments that influence prostaglandin production.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Free PGE₂
Frequently asked questions
How often is this test performed?
What are common reasons for abnormal results?
Can I take pain relievers before 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