24-Hour Urine Intake of Electrolytes (e.g., Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)
This test measures the total amount of certain minerals (electrolytes) excreted in your urine over 24 hours. It helps assess how well your kidneys are balancing these minerals in your body.
["Helps diagnose kidney function and electrolyte imbalances over a full day’s urine output."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81076-2
- Short code
- Vit E intake 24h Est
- Synonyms
- Vit E 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 they suspect kidney problems, fluid imbalance, or conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, or certain medications affecting electrolyte levels. It can also help monitor long-term kidney health or diagnose conditions like hyponatremia (low sodium) or hyperkalemia (high potassium).
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting from one morning after waking up until the same time the next day. Drink regular water unless instructed otherwise, and avoid special diets or medications that could affect results. Your doctor or lab technician will provide detailed instructions to ensure accuracy.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond urine collection. The collected urine is sent to a lab, where electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, chloride) are measured. Results are compared to standard ranges to identify any imbalances.
What the Results Mean
Results show how much of each electrolyte was excreted in urine. Abnormal levels may indicate kidney issues, fluid retention, or other health problems. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
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.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24h Urine Electrolyte Profile
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal results?
How often should this test be repeated?
Can diet or medications affect 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