24 Hour Urine Test

24 Hour Urine Test


A 24 hour urine test shows how well your kidneys are working. You must collect all urine that is passed in a 24 hour period for the test.

To prepare

  • You will receive a large bottle to collect your urine. Put your name and date of birth on the bottle. You can write on the label.
  • Some tests require you to make changes to your diet or certain medicines. Your nurse will let you know if this is needed for your test.
  • Some tests need a chemical added to the bottle when you begin the test. You will add this before you collect your urine for the first time.

During the test

  • Do not exercise more than usual while you are collecting your urine. Sweating too much can change your results.
  • If any urine is spilled or not collected, you will need to start over with a new bottle.
  • Do not get any toilet paper or stool in the urine.
  • Keep the urine cool or refrigerated. Do not freeze it.
  • Keep the container in a safe place where it will not be spilled or exposed to light.
  • Keep the chemical and bottle away from children and pets.

How to collect your urine

  1. To start, empty your bladder and flush the toilet. Do not save this first urine.
  2. Write down the time. This is the time you are starting the 24 hour urine test. It is often easiest if you throw away your first morning urine when you get up and start from that time.
  3. If you need to add a chemical to the bottle, do this before you put any urine into the bottle.
  4. From this point on, urinate into a clean cup or container. Carefully pour the urine into the large bottle.
  5. If you are given a container that fits under the toilet seat to catch the urine, sometimes called a “hat,” sit far enough forward when urinating to make sure all of the urine goes into the container and not into the toilet water.
  6. For the next 24 hours, save all of your urine and put it into the bottle.
  7. At the end of the 24 hours, urinate one more time until your bladder is empty. Pour the urine into the bottle.

Delivering your urine

  • Take the bottle of urine and your lab slip to the lab on the day you finish collecting your urine.
  • The bottle of urine and lab slip can be delivered to any Ohio State Outpatient Lab location.
  • You may also be able to bring them to your doctor’s office that ordered the test.
    • For a list of Ohio State Outpatient Lab locations and hours, visit: wexnermedical.osu.edu/laboratory-services.
    • Check to make sure your name and date of birth are on the bottle before you drop it off.
    • If your name and date of birth are not on the bottle, you may need to do the collection again.
    • Check in at the lab’s registration desk before leaving your urine and lab slip.

© 2008 – April 21, 2022, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.