In most cases, calculating total urinary excretion refers to measuring the total volume of urine produced in 24 hours. This is often performed by a laboratory at the request of a physician. Other parameters are often examined as well to shed light on kidney function and important aspects of overall health; these include total protein, creatinine clearance, urea nitrogen, and sodium and potassium levels. For most healthy people, however, keeping track of the volume of fluids consumed and monitoring the color of excreted urine can provide enough information about hydration.
Step 1
Empty your bladder into the toilet upon arising; do not collect the first morning urine of the first day. The first urine upon waking contains substances excreted from the previous day's intake. In order to get an accurate measure in a given 24-hour period, collection begins with the second urination. If you have been given a calibrated in-toilet collecting basin, place it between the toilet bowl and toilet seat. If you have been given a urinal for collecting, place it in the bathroom.
Step 2
Write the full date and time clearly on a label and affix securely to the jug immediately after producing and discarding the first-morning urine. It is OK to leave the closed, empty jug in the bathroom at this point, keeping it out of reach of children.
Step 3
Save all urine in the prescribed collecting jug, beginning with the second urine of the day. Pour the urine from the basin or urinal into the collecting jug, being careful to not spill any. Replace the jug cap tightly.
Step 4
Refrigerate the collecting jug right away after each collection.
Step 5
Continue repeating Steps 3 and 4 for the duration of the collection, which is 24 hours from the start time you've recorded on the jug label. It is essential to add all urine, including the first-morning urine of the second day, as long as it is within 24 hours of the start time.
Step 6
Write the full date and time of the last added urine within the 24-hour collecting period clearly on the jug label. Keep the jug refrigerated until it is submitted to the doctor or lab.
Step 7
Check the collecting jug, which is usually calibrated. The number matching the top level of urine is the total volume, or a very close estimate. MedlinePlus explains that the normal volume of urine output in 24 hours is usually in the range of 800 to 2,000 ml.
Tips and Warnings
- If you wish to calculate the total volume of urine for curiosity's sake and not for medical testing, you may do so more simply by discarding first morning urine as described and then measuring and recording the volume of each urination for 24 hours. In this scenario, urine can be caught or collected into any vessel with a known volume and discarded immediately. At the end of 24 hours, the sum of all amounts is the total volume. When collecting urine for 24-hour testing, try to consume at least 8 to 10, 8-oz. cups of water. If you have not been given a device for catching urine flow, it is usually acceptable to urinate into a clean plastic cup and then pour it into the jug. It is best to use a large, new plastic cup of at least 20-oz. volume.
- Tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take, as some substances can affect test results. Keep the urine collecting jug and its contents out of reach of children at all times. Do not spill urine and tell your doctor about any spilled or missed urine during collection. It is best to discard any cup used for collecting urine once collection is complete.
Things You'll Need
- Urine collection jug
- Collecting basin or urinal, or a clean 20-oz. plastic cup
- Pen
- 2 self-sticking labels
- Refrigerator
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