24-hour urine protein
Key points
- 24-hour urine protein measures the amount of protein excreted in urine over a 24-hour period.
- The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.
- No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.
- The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Alternative names
Urine protein - 24 hour
Definition
24-hour urine protein measures the amount of protein excreted in urine over a 24-hour period.
How the test is performed
A 24-hour urine sample is needed. The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.
- 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 INFANTS
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, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.
This procedure may take a couple of attempts - lively infants can displace the bag, causing the specimen to be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.
How the test will feel
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Why the test is performed
The test determines the amount of protein that is excreted in the urine in 1 day.
Normally, less than 150 milligrams of protein per day (or 10 milligrams per deciliter) is excreted in the urine. The proteins are derived from plasma and the urinary tract. The most common urine protein in normal individuals is Tamm-Horsfall protein, a glycoprotein that is secreted by distal tubular cells.
Smaller quantities of albumin and globulins are also present in the urine. Most of the filtered proteins are normally reabsorbed by the proximal tubular cells of the kidney.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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