Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | 24-hour urine protein test, proteinuria test, 24-hour albumin test, total urine protein test |
| Sample Type | 24-hour urine collection |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages |
| Price | Starting at ₹260 |
What is a Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test?
The urine protein, 24 hours urine test measures the total amount of protein released in your urine over a full 24-hour period. Healthy kidneys normally retain protein in the blood and allow very little to pass into urine. When protein levels in urine are elevated, it may signal that the kidneys are not filtering correctly. This test is also called the 24-hour urine protein test, proteinuria test, 24-hour albumin test, or urine protein test. It uses a 24-hour urine sample rather than a single spot collection.
What Does a Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test Measure?
This test analyses the total protein content in a 24-hour urine sample. The table below explains what is measured and why it matters:
| Parameter | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Total Urinary Protein (24-hour) | The overall amount of protein excreted in urine across a full day, reflecting how well the kidneys are filtering |
Normal urine contains a mix of plasma-derived proteins filtered by the kidney's tiny units (glomeruli) and proteins secreted by the kidney tubules. Albumin is the main plasma protein found in urine, making up roughly 20% of total urinary protein.
Why is a Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test Done?
A doctor may prescribe this test for several reasons, from investigating symptoms to keeping track of a known condition. Below are the most common reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt your doctor to request a urine protein, 24 hours urine test. These include:
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or face (oedema)
- Frothy or foamy urine
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Persistent fatigue or weakness without a clear cause
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify a range of conditions affecting the kidneys and other organs. These include:
- Nephrotic syndrome (severe kidney disease causing excessive protein loss)
- Lupus nephritis (kidney inflammation caused by lupus)
- Amyloidosis (abnormal protein build-up in organs)
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
- Chronic kidney disease linked to diabetes or hypertension
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units)
- Alport syndrome, kidney stones, bladder cancer, heart failure, and certain blood cancers such as myeloma
Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test During Pregnancy
The urine protein, 24 hours urine test is a standard part of antenatal care. Doctors use it to screen for pre-eclampsia, a condition defined by high blood pressure combined with proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The 24-hour collection method remains the gold standard for measuring this type of protein loss. Normal physiological changes in pregnancy can slightly raise urinary protein excretion, so results are always reviewed in the context of other clinical findings.
Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients with diabetes or hypertension, detecting protein in urine early is an important step in preventing kidney failure. This test is regularly used to monitor kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as the degree of proteinuria reflects how far the disease has progressed. Early detection and management can significantly reduce the risk of further kidney damage and related heart conditions.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The urine protein test procedure is straightforward and does not require any special dietary changes beforehand. Here is what you should know before and during the collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally throughout the collection period. Aways follow specific instructions provided by your doctor or laboratory.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Preparing correctly helps ensure an accurate result. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, herbs, and vitamins you are taking, as some may affect results.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours before and during the collection period.
- Inform your doctor if you have had a recent fever or illness.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The urine protein test procedure involves collecting all your urine over a 24-hour period. Here is how it works:
- On day 1, urinate normally into the toilet when you wake up. Note this time, as this is your starting point.
- From that point onwards, collect every urine sample in the sterile container provided throughout the day and night.
- Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place at all times during collection.
- On day 2, collect your first morning urine exactly 24 hours after you started. This completes the collection.
- Label the container with your name, the date, and the time of completion.
- Return the container to the collection centre or hand it to the home collection team as instructed. A 5 ml aliquot (a portion of the full collection) from the full 24-hour sample is used for testing.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can alter the test results. Be aware of the following:
- Collecting urine for more or less than 24 hours, or missing any sample during the period
- Strenuous physical activity before or during collection
- Certain medicines, supplements, or vitamins
- Dehydration or extreme emotional stress
- Contamination of the sample with menstrual blood, semen, or prostatic secretions
- Presence of haemoglobin in urine, which can raise apparent protein levels
Understanding Your Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test Results
Your results will show how much protein was excreted over the 24-hour period. The table below outlines the general reference ranges used for adults:
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit | High May Indicate | Low May Indicate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Protein | Less than 150 | mg/24 hours | Kidney disease, heart failure, pre-eclampsia, myeloma, hypertension | Normal kidney function or good treatment response |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can temporarily or persistently alter protein levels in urine:
- In healthy individuals, vigorous exercise can raise urinary protein up to 300 mg per 24 hours. This is usually temporary and resolves with rest.
- During pregnancy, normal physiological changes increase blood flow through the kidneys, which may slightly raise urinary protein levels even without any disease.
- In people with diabetes, elevated protein in urine is usually the result of long-term high blood sugar or high blood pressure affecting the kidney filters.
- Transient (temporary) proteinuria can occur due to fever, emotional stress, or intense physical exertion and generally resolves on its own.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
General lifestyle habits can support kidney health and help keep protein excretion within the normal range:
- Stay well hydrated and work to maintain healthy blood pressure through a balanced diet and regular moderate activity.
- If you have diabetes, keep blood sugar levels well controlled as advised by your doctor.
- Avoid intense physical exertion immediately before or during the urine collection period to prevent temporary spikes in protein levels.
Lupin Diagnostics Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test Price and Home Collection
The urine protein test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹260, and home collection is available across cities. The table below shows approximate prices across major Indian cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 260 |
| CHENNAI | 260 |
| HYDERABAD | 260 |
| KOLKATA | 260 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 260 |
| PUNE | 260 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for urine protein test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers urine protein test home collection across cities, making it easy to complete the 24-hour collection in the comfort of your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Your digital report is accessible via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The urine protein, 24 hours urine test measures the total amount of protein your kidneys allow into your urine over a full day. It is a reliable way to assess how well your kidneys are filtering blood. A 24-hour collection is preferred over a single sample because protein levels in urine can vary throughout the day.
Protein excretion in urine fluctuates during the day, so a single sample may not reflect an accurate average. Collecting over 24 hours gives a complete and consistent picture of kidney function. This makes the result far more useful for diagnosis and monitoring.
Yes, vigorous exercise can temporarily raise urinary protein to levels that appear abnormal. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours before and during the collection. Let your doctor know if you exercised recently so they can account for this when reviewing your results.
A high result, known as proteinuria, may suggest kidney damage, high blood pressure, heart failure, or conditions such as diabetes-related kidney disease or myeloma. It can also be temporary, caused by fever, stress, or exercise. Your doctor will review the result alongside your full clinical history before drawing any conclusions.
Yes, this test is a routine part of antenatal care. It screens for preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in urine after 20 weeks. The 24-hour urine collection is considered the standard method for measuring protein levels in pregnant women.
Keep the container in the refrigerator or another cool place throughout the 24-hour collection. This preserves the sample and prevents bacterial growth that could affect the result. Do not leave the container at room temperature for extended periods.
Yes, this test carries no known risks. It is entirely non-invasive and only involves urine collection over 24 hours. There are no needles, no procedures, and no discomfort involved.
Urine Protein, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
