A protein 24 hrs urine test is done to measure the amount of protein spilled in the urine over the time frame of 24 hours. It is a non-invasive test wherein the urine sample is collected in a container over a period of 24 hours. Your doctor may order this test if your urine, imaging, or blood tests indicate damage to kidney function. Healthy people don't have a large amount of protein in their urine. Protein is excreted in the urine in an excessive amount when certain proteins are present in high levels in the bloodstream, or the kidneys are not working properly. When higher-than-normal protein amounts are detected in the urine, it's known as proteinuria, which is often a sign of kidney disease and damage.  

What is Protein 24 hrs Urine Test?

A protein 24 hrs urine test is done to measure the amount of protein spilled in the urine over the time frame of 24 hours. It is a non-invasive test wherein the urine sample is collected in a container over a period of 24 hours. Your doctor may order this test if your urine, imaging, or blood tests indicate damage to kidney function. Healthy people don't have a large amount of protein in their urine. Protein is excreted in the urine in an excessive amount when certain proteins are present in high levels in the bloodstream, or the kidneys are not working properly. When higher-than-normal protein amounts are detected in the urine, it's known as proteinuria, which is often a sign of kidney disease and damage.  

A protein 24 hrs urine test is performed to identify any kind of damage to your kidney. The test doesn't show the reason for protein loss and the kinds of protein that have been detected in the urine. Your doctor may schedule another urine protein test if the test results show high protein levels in your urine. 

What is the Purpose of the Protein 24 hrs Urine Test? 

A protein 24 hrs urine test checks the amount of protein that is being released in the urine over a period of 24 hours. This test comprises multiple samples of urine that are taken over a 24-hour period. It can be ordered after analyzing the positive protein-to-creatinine ratio test results. A protein 24 hrs urine test can be used to detect kidney damage early so your healthcare provider can start your treatment immediately.  

What Does Protein 24 hrs Urine Test Diagnose? 

A protein 24 hrs urine test is used as a part of a urinalysis, which is used to manage and detect urinary tract infections, diabetes, and kidney disease. Protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney disease even if you don't have symptoms. Abnormal results can be due to heart failure, multiple myeloma, bladder failure, kidney disease caused by autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, a blockage in the kidney system, toxins, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and certain medicines. Your healthcare provider may order this test as a follow-up after a dipstick urine protein test to further access your condition.  

Why Do You Need a Protein 24 hrs Urine Test? 

You may need a protein 24 hrs urine test if you have symptoms of nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis. Your healthcare provider may also order this test if you have kidney disease or conditions that may damage your kidney, including lupus, uncontrolled diabetes, and high blood pressure. This test can also be performed if you show the following symptoms: 

• Swelling in your hand and feet 

• Higher level of blood creatinine 

• Foamy urine 

• Swollen face 

You may need a protein 24 hrs urine test if you have symptoms of preeclampsia during pregnancy. Some of these common symptoms are: 

• Pain below your ribs 

• Sudden weight gain 

• Trouble breathing 

• Nausea 

• Swollen hands, face, and feet 

This test can also be ordered if you have the following conditions: 

• Kidney stones 

• Enlarged prostate 

• Lupus 

• Family history of a genetic kidney disease 

• Diabetes 

• Family history of a chronic kidney disease 

• Blood in the urine for an unknown reason 

Preparation and Procedure Required for a Protein 24 hrs Urine Test 

You should stop exercising or other vigorous activities for a certain period before the test. Inform your healthcare provider if you take any medications, herbs, or supplements, as they may change the test results. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop taking medicine on the day of the test. Let your doctor know if you have been ill or had a fever recently.  

For a protein 24 hrs urine test, you need to collect all your urine for a period of 24 hours. Your health care provider may give you small containers and a cleansing wipe and instruct you how to collect your urine sample using the "clean catch" method. Wash your hands properly with water and soap and dry them using a towel. Clean your genital area and urinate for a few seconds and then stop. Urinate again into the container. You should ensure that the container doesn't touch your body. Collect at least an ounce of urine. The container will have markings to let you know how much urine is needed. Once you have collected the required urine, put the cap on the container. You will have to repeat these steps every time you urinate over the next 24 hours.  

Understanding a Protein 24 hrs Urine Test Results 

Protein 24 hrs urine test results are given in milligrams. If the test results show that the protein in your urine is less than 150 mg within 24 hours, your result is normal. Test results can vary depending on your health history, age, gender, and lab used.