Do I really have to do a 24-hour urine test?

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Permalink Reply by Karen Doering on January 16, 2009 at 3:10pm

I had the 24 hour urine test once in my 42 years of diabetes and I had slightly elevated microalbumin, which totally freaked me out but was a tool to increasing my ace inhibitor dosage, and now my endo wants one every year. Of course I refused and she insisted, fear factor I am sure. Well.....I did not do the 24 hour urine for two years and she would not do a normal urinalysis until this last endo visit when she said you win, normal urinalysis no 24.

Just got my results and all in normal range on the urine front, what a relief, but I think the original 24 hour was key for adjusting my meds and for perhaps fixing my microalbumin level as well, but who knows for sure. The biggest thing for me was giving up my precious Sunday to stay home and pee in a jug, just should of waited until this winter I guess as the 20 below has kept in quite a few Sundays. Like Scott said pee all Sunday and drop off Monday a.m. before work.

Not sure if I will do the 24 hour next time as I like the results of the normal urinalysis better. :)

Ooooo and my blood glucose was 200, as I spike with any MD crapola, ahhhh!!!!! :)

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Permalink Reply by June English on November 2, 2009 at 7:09pm

I have been doing the 24-hour urine collection once yearly for as long as I can remember (for at least the past 21 years.) My endo. just asked me to do another one (I just did one in August.) I think it's because I've had Type I for 37 years now. As for tips, I wish I had any. It's a royal nuisance. However, we don't want to end up on dialysis. Let's keep those kidneys in as good shape as possible!

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Permalink Reply by Cara Bauer on November 3, 2009 at 10:54am

I do it once a year, and thanks for the reminder. The jug is in the corner.

Better to head off any kidney damage than to go on dialysis.

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Permalink Reply by Sheila Green on November 3, 2009 at 11:55am

Yes, you have to do it...every year its important - you can have kidney problems and not even know it. My husband was on dialysis for 5 years before he got a kidney transplant. He is not diabetic but had end stage renal failure due to hereditary Alport Syndrome. I saw his kidneys slowly decline - the percentage of albumin in your urine establishes the effectiveness of the kidney function. You can go down to 15% kidney function before dialysis becomes necessary. I have always had a 24 hour urine every year and study the results like a schoolar. Poor glucose control can cause havoc with your kidneys - good luck I am sure you will be fine but make sure you do the test no matter how much of a pain it is. I have a small amount of kidney damage ( after 55 years with type 1) and I plan to not cause any more damage.
Sheila

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on November 3, 2009 at 11:00pm

I've only done 24 hour collections while pregnant (I was not spillnig protein - just a total precaution) and they were always completely normal. I have only had spot checks since my last pregnancy, and they've always been fine.

If I had an abnromal spot check (M/C ratio) then I would not hesitate to do a 24 hour collection.

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Permalink Reply by Brigitte on November 4, 2009 at 1:29am

I really hate to do that thing...And I do it every year . The big bottles ( I really need 2) are my nightmare. I know that is for my health. And the number is good, so I cross my fingers for the next (in december).

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Permalink Reply by rick phillips on November 4, 2009 at 8:46pm

As I told my doc,,, I can hold it for 24 hours and 2 minutes. Na na na na na,, take that doc.

lol

rick phillips

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Permalink Reply by Joe Dennis on November 6, 2009 at 10:18pm

That's a good one!

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Permalink Reply by Doris Ann Dickerson on November 7, 2009 at 10:44am

Like you it's bee awhile for me and all I can tell you from what I remember is to make sure you refrigerate it. Sorry!!!

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Permalink Reply by Mick on November 7, 2009 at 1:15pm

The random (spot) urine microalbumin to creatinine ratio has been clearly shown to be just as good as a 24 hour sample. There is really no need for 24 hour collections for microalbumin. This quote is from the ADA standards of medical care:

"While screening for microalbuminuria can be performed by three methods—1) measurement of the albumin-to-creatinine ratio in a random, spot collection; 2) 24-h collection with creatinine, allowing the simultaneous measurement of creatinine clearance; and 3) timed (e.g., 4-h or overnight) collection—the analysis of a spot sample for the albumin-to-creatinine ratio is strongly encouraged (72). The other two alternatives (24-h collection and a timed specimen) are rarely necessary."

I would ask the physician why he prefers a 24 hour sample. I expect that it's habit, not medical evidence and if you remind him of the recommendation from the ADA and of how annoying a 24 hour collection is, he will agree to the spot test. I hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Terrie8 on November 8, 2009 at 6:50pm

Gee, that's Good to hear. I was wondering why my Endo hasn't suggested the 24 hr. collection, in years. He just clicks off the m/c ratio on the requistion along with my blood tests when I'm going to the Lab downstairs..

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