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C-reactive protein (CRP) with 24-hour urinary excretion rate

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

This test measures how much C-reactive protein appears in your urine over 24 hours, which can help assess inflammation or kidney function.

Quick summary

["Understanding your body’s long-term inflammatory response and kidney handling of proteins."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
111878-5
Short code
Total procedure time Endscpy
Synonyms
Total procedure time Endscpy
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
44
Ref high
147
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
endoscopy
CPT
84075
SNOMED
27550007
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 they suspect chronic inflammation, kidney disease, or conditions affecting protein excretion in urine. It can also help monitor certain treatments or conditions like lupus, vasculitis, or kidney disorders.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, typically starting after midnight. Drink plenty of water to ensure adequate urine volume. Avoid certain medications (like NSAIDs) that may affect protein levels unless instructed otherwise.

How the Test Works

The collected urine is analyzed to measure CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. The rate reflects how much CRP is excreted over time, which may differ from standard blood CRP tests.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal rates may indicate ongoing inflammation, kidney issues, or other systemic conditions. Lower-than-normal rates might suggest reduced inflammation or kidney filtering problems. Results are interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health.

Reference range

Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Inflammation and Kidney Function

Short name

24-Hour Urine CRP Rate

Frequently asked questions

Will I need to change my diet before this test?
Yes, avoid high-protein foods or supplements (like fish oil) that may affect protein levels. Stick to a normal diet unless your doctor advises otherwise. Also, avoid smoking or excessive alcohol, as they can influence inflammation markers.
Can I take my usual medications before this test?
Some medications, like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), may alter protein levels. Ask your doctor if you should stop or adjust any medications before collecting urine. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
What if I miss any urine during the 24-hour collection?
If you miss urine, you’ll need to restart the collection. Missing even a small amount can skew results, so it’s important to follow the instructions precisely. Your lab technician may guide you on how to handle incomplete collections.
  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