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Protein urine test
Urine protein; Albumin - urine; Urine albumin; Proteinuria; Albuminuria
The protein urine dipstick test measures the presence of proteins, such as albumin, in a urine sample.
Albumin and protein can also be measured using a blood test .
Blood test
Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood. Albumin c...
How the Test is Performed
After you provide a urine sample, it is tested. The health care provider uses a dipstick made with a color-sensitive pad. The color change on the dipstick tells the provider the level of acid in your urine.
If needed, your provider may ask you to collect your urine at home over 24 hours . Your provider will tell you how to do this. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.
Collect your urine at home over 24 hour
24-hour urine protein measures the amount of protein released in urine over a 24-hour period.
How to Prepare for the Test
Different medicines can change the result of this test. Before the test, tell your provider which medicines you are taking. DO NOT stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider.
The following may also interfere with test results:
-
Dehydration
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how muc...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Dye (contrast media) if you have a radiology scan within 3 days before the urine test
- Strenuous exercise
- Urinary tract infection
- Urine contaminated with fluids from the vagina
How the Test Will Feel
The test only involves normal urination. There is no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is most often done when your provider suspects you have kidney disease. It may be used as a screening test.
Although small amounts of protein are normally in urine, a routine dipstick test may not detect them. A urine microalbumin test can be performed to detect small amounts of albumin in the urine that may not be detected on dipstick testing. If the kidney is diseased, proteins may be detected on a dipstick test, even if blood protein levels are normal.
Normal Results
For a random urine sample, normal values are 0 to 20 mg/dL.
For a 24-hour urine collection, the normal value is less than 80 mg per 24 hours.
The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Larger amounts of protein in the urine may be due to:
- Heart failure
-
Kidney problems, such as
kidney damage
,
diabetic kidney disease
, and
kidney cysts
Kidney damage
Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease in which the part of your kidneys that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged....
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleDiabetic kidney disease
Kidney disease or kidney damage often occurs over time in people with diabetes. This type of kidney disease is called diabetic nephropathy.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleKidney cysts
Polycystic kidney disease is a kidney disorder passed down through families. In this disease, many cysts form in the kidneys, causing them to become...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Loss of body fluids (dehydration)
-
Problems during pregnancy, such as seizures due to
eclampsia
or high blood pressure caused by
preeclampsia
Eclampsia
Eclampsia is the new onset of seizures or coma in a pregnant woman with preeclampsia. These seizures are not related to an existing brain condition....
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticlePreeclampsia
Preeclampsia is when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Urinary tract problems, such as a bladder tumor or infection
- Multiple myeloma
Risks
There are no risks with this test.
References
Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: history, physical examination, and urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Novick AC, et al, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 3.
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White nail syndrome - illustration
White nail syndrome may also be called leukonychia. Leukonychia can occur with arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia.
White nail syndrome
illustration
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Protein urine test - illustration
Urine is usually tested for protein when kidney disease is suspected.
Protein urine test
illustration
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White nail syndrome - illustration
White nail syndrome may also be called leukonychia. Leukonychia can occur with arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia.
White nail syndrome
illustration
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Protein urine test - illustration
Urine is usually tested for protein when kidney disease is suspected.
Protein urine test
illustration
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Kidney stones
(In-Depth)
Review Date: 8/29/2015
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
