Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (24-hour urinary excretion)
This test measures the total amount of certain blood-clotting proteins (factors II, VII, IX, X) excreted in your urine over 24 hours. These factors depend on vitamin K for proper function.
["Understanding your urinary excretion of clotting factors can help assess vitamin K status and blood clotting health over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75104-0
- Short code
- VLCFA C24:0 EntSub RBC
- Synonyms
- VLCFA C24:0 EntSub RBC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have concerns about vitamin K levels, bleeding disorders, liver disease, or if you’re taking medications that affect blood clotting. It can also help monitor long-term vitamin K metabolism or kidney function indirectly.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure complete collection. If you’re on blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), discuss this with your provider before starting the collection.
How the Test Works
Your urine is collected in a container over 24 hours. The lab analyzes the sample for the presence of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which are naturally excreted in urine. The test measures the cumulative excretion rate, not individual factor levels in blood.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a ratio or index comparing excretion to expected values, but exact ranges depend on lab methods. Low excretion may suggest vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, or kidney issues, while high levels could indicate overconsumption of vitamin K-rich foods or certain medications.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urinary excretion of these factors can sometimes indicate overactive vitamin K metabolism or certain metabolic conditions. Conversely, reduced excretion may signal vitamin K deficiency, impaired liver function, or malabsorption issues. This test is less commonly used than blood tests for vitamin K or clotting factors but can provide context for long-term vitamin K status or kidney function.
Short name
Vitamin K Factors Urine 24h
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal urinary excretion of clotting factors?
How often should this test be repeated?
Can diet affect this test result?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy