Thallium and Creatinine, 24-Hour Urine
Measures thallium, a toxic heavy metal, and creatinine in urine collected over 24 hours. Creatinine helps assess whether the collection is complete.
["This test can identify recent thallium exposure and help determine how much thallium the body is eliminating."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29938-8
- Short code
- Thallium/Creat 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- Thallium/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 thallium in all urine collected over 24 hours. It also measures urine creatinine, which is used to help evaluate the completeness of the collection and the adequacy of the sample.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered if a person has symptoms of heavy-metal poisoning, a known or suspected exposure to thallium, or occupational contact with substances containing thallium. It can also be used to follow thallium levels during evaluation or recovery.
How is the test performed?
You empty your bladder at the start of the collection period and then collect all urine for the next 24 hours, including the final collection. The urine is brought to the laboratory for measurement of thallium and creatinine.
How do I prepare for the test?
Use the container supplied by the laboratory and follow its collection instructions exactly. Tell the clinician about possible occupational, environmental, medication, or supplement exposure, and do not stop medicines or make major diet changes unless instructed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated urine thallium level may indicate recent exposure to thallium and can be associated with toxicity. The meaning of the result depends on the amount exposed, timing of collection, symptoms, and other clinical findings. Urine creatinine is used to help assess collection adequacy; an unusually low result may suggest an incomplete collection or very dilute urine.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Thallium and Creatinine
Frequently asked questions
What does thallium exposure mean?
Why is urine collected for 24 hours?
Why is creatinine measured with thallium?
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