24-Hour Urine Collection for Total Protein Evaluation

Time to Read: About 2 minutes

This information explains how to collect and store your urine (pee) for your total protein evaluation.

About Your Total Protein Evaluation

A total protein evaluation is a urine test that’s done to measure the amount of a type of protein in your urine. This is called the Bence-Jones protein. Having this protein in your urine can be a sign of multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of the white blood cells. A high level of this protein can also hurt your kidneys.

This test can be used to diagnose or monitor multiple myeloma. Depending on the results of the test, your treatment may need to be changed to prevent the multiple myeloma from getting worse or to prevent damage to your kidneys.

‌  It’s important to collect all of your urine for the whole 24-hour collection period. If you don’t collect all of your urine, our lab may not be able to complete your total protein evaluation.

Instructions for Your Urine Collection

Your nurse will give you the following supplies:

  • A plastic container to collect your urine.
    • If you’re male, they’ll give you a handheld urinal.
    • If you’re female, they’ll give you a urine collection “hat.”
    • If you’re staying in the hospital, they may give you a bedpan.
  • A plastic container to store your urine. Write your name on the label.

Right before your 24-hour urine collection period

You must start your urine collection period with an empty bladder. Right before you start the 24-hour collection period, urinate into the toilet and flush it. Then, write down the time and date. This is the start time of your urine collection period. It will end 24 hours later.

Start date: ___________________ Start time: _________________

During your 24-hour urine collection period

  • Collect all of your urine. Only urinate into the urinal, collection hat, or bedpan.
    • To use the urine collection hat, place it under the toilet seat and urinate into it.
    • If you’re staying in the hospital, ask for help if you need it.
  • Don’t put toilet paper in the urinal, collection hat, or bedpan. Put it in the toilet and flush it.
  • Each time you urinate, pour the urine from the urinal or collection hat into the labeled container. If you’re using a bedpan, ask your nurse or nursing assistant to do this for you.
  • If you leave your home or hospital room during your 24-hour collection period, take the urinal or collection hat and labeled container with you.
  • Store the labeled container at room temperature. You don’t have to refrigerate it.
  • Make sure to drink at least 8 (8-ounce) glasses of liquids during your 24-hour collection period. If you’re staying in the hospital, you may also get fluids intravenously (through a vein).

After your 24-hour urine collection period

If you collected your urine while you were at home:

  • You’ll have an appointment within 24 hours after your urine collection period ends. Bring your labeled urine container to your appointment.
  • Tell your nurse if you forgot to save any of your urine during the collection period.

If you collected your urine while you were in the hospital:

  • A nurse or nursing assistant will collect your labeled urine container.
  • Tell your nurse or nursing assistant if you forgot to save any of your urine during the collection period.

Last Updated

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

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