Laboratory methods

24-Hour Proteinuria: Preanalytical Stage Errors

Clinical case: how violation of 24-hour urine collection rules for proteinuria led to falsely low results and delayed diagnosis of nephropathy.

Illustration for the section on errors in laboratory diagnostics
Illustration for the section on errors in laboratory diagnostics

Rubric Error in 24-hour urine protein test Incorrect biomaterial collection The patient was prescribed 24-hour urine collection to determine protein levels, but was not explained how to properly collect the biomaterial. As a result, the patient missed the first urine portion and then submitted an incomplete 24-hour volume. The laboratory received underestimated data, and the doctor concluded that kidney function was normal. In reality, the patient’s nephropathy was progressing and was not diagnosed in time. ❓ What instructions does the laboratory usually provide to patients for correct 24-hour urine collection?

🙏 Project “Repentance”. This is a special section where everyone can anonymously confess their laboratory error. For this, we have created a special Google form that you can fill out without providing your name.