Definition of 24-hour urine protein:

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

See also: Bence-Jones protein test

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: