Guide to This Medical Test: What It Checks, How It Is Performed, and What Your Results Mean for Your Health
This test analyzes the types of proteins in your urine collected over 24 hours to detect abnormal protein patterns that may indicate kidney or other health problems.
{"Collects all urine over 24 hours to measure protein content","Identifies abnormal protein bands that may signal kidney disease","Helps diagnose conditions like nephrotic syndrome, multiple myeloma, or kidney damage","The test is simple and involves no risk beyond proper urine collection"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38528-6
- Short code
- UPEL
- Synonyms
- Abn Prot 24h Ur-mRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container with appropriate preservative (e.g., boric acid or thymol)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Gel electrophoresis or Capillary electrophoresis
- CPT
- 86355
- SNOMED
- 271717004
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection (typically 1000-2000 mL total volume)
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen at -20°C: 30 days; Protect from light
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
This test helps your doctor evaluate your overall health or look for a specific condition by measuring certain substances in a sample taken from your body. The results provide important information about how well your organs are working and can guide decisions about diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
The 24-hour urine protein test, also called urine protein electrophoresis, is a laboratory test that separates and identifies different types of proteins in your urine. Your urine is collected over a 24-hour period to measure the total amount of protein and identify any abnormal protein bands that may be present.
Normally, healthy kidneys filter waste from your blood while keeping important proteins in your bloodstream. When kidneys are damaged, proteins like albumin can leak into urine. This test helps detect even small amounts of abnormal proteins that might not show up in routine urine tests.
The test is usually done in a doctor's office, clinic, or laboratory. A trained health professional will collect a small sample, such as blood drawn from a vein in your arm or urine collected in a sterile cup. The procedure is quick, causes only minor discomfort, and most people can return to their normal activities right away.
You will receive a special container from your healthcare provider. On the day of collection: 1) Start by urinating into the toilet when you wake up, 2) For the next 24 hours, collect all urine in the provided container, 3) Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place, 4) Return the complete collection to the lab as instructed. It's important to collect every urine sample during the 24-hour period for accurate results.
Your results show whether the measured values fall within the normal range for your age and health status. Abnormal results may point to an infection, inflammation, or another medical condition that needs further evaluation. Your doctor will explain what your specific numbers mean and discuss any follow-up testing or treatment options with you.
Results are reported as normal or abnormal, with specific patterns noted if abnormal proteins are detected. Your healthcare provider will explain what your specific results mean in the context of your overall health and any symptoms you may have.
Reference range
No abnormal protein bands detected; Negative for monoclonal protein (M-spike)N/A
Collect all urine in a 24-hour period. Begin collection after the first morning void and include the first morning void of the next day. Keep container refrigerated or on ice during collection. Record total volume and collection time on the container label.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting kidney function, including nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, and kidney damage from diabetes or hypertension. It can also detect abnormal protein production from certain cancers, particularly multiple myeloma. The test helps distinguish between different types of protein loss, which guides treatment decisions.
Abnormal protein bands may indicate: kidney disease, inflammation, infection, certain blood cancers, or autoimmune conditions. The specific pattern of proteins helps doctors determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test require fasting?
Is the test painful?
What happens if I miss a urine sample during collection?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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