Health Encyclopedia

24-hour urine protein

Definition

24-hour urine protein measures the amount of protein excreted in urine over a 24-hour period.

Alternative Names

Urine protein - 24 hour

How the test is performed

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. Drain the urine from the bag into the container provided by your health care provider.

Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.

How to prepare for the test

Your health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to stop taking any drugs that may interfere with the test results.

Drugs that may interfere with test results include:

Acetaminophen
Antibiotics
Gentamicin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

If the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be needed.

How the test will feel

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of glomerular disease, such as nephrotic syndrome, or another condition that affects kidney function.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include complicated UTI (pyelonephritis).

Normal Values

The normal value is less than 150 milligrams per day, or less than 10 milligrams per deciliter of urine.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

Increased levels of urinary protein may be due to:

Glomerulonephritis
Nephrotic syndrome
Microalbuminuria or other early signs of diabetic nephropathy
Renal tubular diseases including pyelonephritis, Fanconi syndrome, cystinosis, and Wilson's disease
Multiple myeloma
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia
Some lymphomas

Healthy people may have higher than normal urine protein levels after strenuous exercise or with dehydration. Some foods may affect urine protein levels.

What the risks are

The test involves normal urination and there are no risks.

Special considerations

Sometimes, in order to avoid the inconvenience and possible inaccuracy of a 24-hour urine collection, your doctor may order a test done on a just one urine sample, called the protein-to-creatinine ratio.

References

Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 115.

Review Date:8/7/2009
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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