The 24-hour urine protein test is an analysis of how much protein is being leaked into the urine, which aids to detect health problems or other diseases. This test is very simple and non-invasive. Urine samples are collected in a large container over a period of 24 hours and containers are stored in a cool place and after 24 hours sent to the lab for analysis. The lab technician then evaluates the urine for the presence of protein. When protein amounts are higher than normal, then it is a sign of kidney disease or damage. However, this analysis does not reveal what types of protein are present in the urine. And to determine this, your healthcare provider may also order tests like serum and urine protein electrophoresis and also this test does not determine the cause of the protein loss.
urine test

In very rare cases, proteinuria isn’t a sign of kidney damage and mainly it is true for children. Protein levels may be higher during the daytime than at night. Other factors like extreme exercise also influence the results.

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What Is a 24-Hour Urine Protein Test?

A 24-hour urine protein test assesses the amount of albumin in the urine over 24 hours. The kidneys filter protein from the body and then absorb it. When protein is sent back into the blood waste products are eliminated from the system as urine. And urine is made of water and other chemicals such as potassium, sodium, urea and creatinine. If the kidneys are not functioning well, then a person might have too much protein in the urine. Protein is also called albumin; excess protein or albumin is called proteinuria or microalbuminuria.

Also Read: Kidney Health: Know About 11 Early Warning Signs of Renal Disease

Certain conditions can cause high amounts of protein in urine, these include:

  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Preeclampsia 
  • Uncontrolled blood pressure

Why Is The 24-Hour Urine Protein Test Done?

This test is recommended if a person has symptoms of glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome. Other types of kidney problems or conditions that affect the kidneys are also reasons to suggest the test. The 24-hour urine protein test comprises several samples of urine taken over a 24-hour time and it’s different from a protein-to-creatinine ratio test, where only one sample of urine is taken. Further, this test may be taken as a follow-up to a positive protein-to-creatinine ratio test.

Also Read: Kidney Function Tests: Know The Types, How It Is Done And What To Expect

How Is The Test Performed?

The 24-hour protein test does not need anything other than urine and involves no risks. It can be done at home or in the hospital. Usually, the patient will be given a large container to store urine over a 24-hour period. The test will start in the morning, the first urine is discarded, and then the patient has to keep tracking the time when they begin to collect the rest of the urine samples for the next 24 hours. The collected urine sample should be placed in a cool environment. The container will be labelled with the patient’s name, date and time of collection. Post 24 hours of urine collection, the samples are taken to the lab for analysis.

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How To Prepare For The Test?

Your healthcare provider will provide certain instructions on how to prepare for the test. The person must stop having certain medications that may interfere with the test results. Also inform your doctor if you’re taking any supplements, prescription, and over-the-counter medications.

Other factors can also interfere with results, including muscle mass. For instance, a sick patient may not make as much of the muscle mass. If a person has been bodybuilding and increased their muscle mass can affect the results. At times intense workouts can increase the amount of protein a person makes, and it can leak protein into the urine on a given day.

What Does Results Mean

Generally, the test results should be available after 2-3 days. A normal report shows a value of less than 150 milligrams of protein per day. The results may slightly vary between labs. Ask your doctor about the right meaning of your test interpretation. Protein in the urine may indicate kidney damage or disease. While some factors like infection, stress or excessive exercise may temporarily increase protein levels.

Protein leakage caused by the kidney will help physicians assess the extent of the damage. The 24-hour protein amount may be used to evaluate any progression of the disease or measure the response to treatment.

Proteinuria is linked with several other conditions, which include:

  • Amyloidosis
  • Bladder tumours
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Diabetes
  • Urine tract infections
  • Long-term use of certain medications, that may damage the kidneys
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Goodpasture syndrome
  • Metal poisoning
  • Hypertension
  • Kidney infection
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Lupus
  • Polycystic kidney disease