24 Hours Urine Protein

Function

The 24-hour urine protein test measures the total amount of protein excreted in the urine over a full day. In a healthy kidney, the glomeruli (filtering units) prevent large proteins like albumin from passing into the urine. Detecting protein in the urine, known as proteinuria, is one of the earliest and most sensitive markers of kidney damage or systemic disease affecting the renal system.

Why it is Ordered

This test is a gold standard for quantifying protein loss when a random 'dipstick' test shows positive results. It is ordered to diagnose or monitor chronic kidney disease (CKD), evaluate the severity of kidney damage in patients with diabetes or hypertension, and to screen for pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. It provides a more accurate picture than a spot urine test because protein excretion fluctuates throughout the day.

Associated Conditions

• Diabetic Nephropathy: Long-term high blood sugar damages the kidney's filters.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: Characterized by very high protein loss (>3.5g/day), swelling (edema), and low blood albumin.
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units.
• Multiple Myeloma: May produce Bence-Jones proteins that appear in the urine.
• Preeclampsia: A serious pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and proteinuria.