Kidney-derived volume marker (24-hour urine collection)
This test measures the total volume of urine produced by your kidneys over a 24-hour period. It helps assess kidney function and hydration status.
["Understanding your kidney’s urine output can help identify hydration or kidney-related issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15311-4
- Short code
- Volume Kidney-R US.derived.ROT
- Synonyms
- Volume Kidney-R US.derived.ROT
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-derived-rot
- 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 Matters
Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood, producing urine. This test tracks how much urine you excrete in a day, which can reveal if your kidneys are working efficiently or if fluid balance is disrupted. For example, low urine output might signal dehydration or kidney problems, while unusually high output could indicate overhydration or certain kidney conditions.
When You Might Need This Test
A doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, dry mouth, swelling, or if they suspect kidney disease, dehydration, or conditions like diabetes or heart failure. It’s also used in some kidney function evaluations.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours, starting right after midnight of one day and ending right after midnight the next. Use a clean container to store the urine, keeping it refrigerated if needed. Avoid using diuretics or certain medications that affect urine output without consulting your doctor.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine in a container. The test involves measuring the total volume of urine produced over the full day. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal urine volume can signal underlying health issues. For instance, very low urine output may indicate dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or conditions like acute kidney injury. Very high urine output could suggest diabetes insipidus, kidney disease, or overhydration. Your doctor will use this result alongside other tests to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Volume from Kidney Function
Frequently asked questions
How is urine volume measured?
What are typical reference ranges for urine volume?
Can diet or medications affect urine volume?
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