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A protein urine test measures the amount of proteins, such as albumin, found in a urine sample.
A blood test may also be done to measure the level of protein or albumin. See also: Serum albumin
Alternative NamesUrine protein; Albumin - urine; Urine albumin; Proteinuria; Albuminuria
How the test is performedUrine protein may be tested using a random sample of urine and a dipstick test, or it may require a 24-hour urine sample. See: 24-hour urine protein
How to prepare for the testDifferent drugs can change the result of this test. Make sure your health care provider knows what medications you are taking.
The following may also interfere with test results:
- Dehydration
- Dye (contrast media) if you have a radiology scan within 3 days before the urine test
- Severe emotional stress
- Strenuous exercise
- urinary tract infection
- Urine contaminated with fluids from the vagina
The test only involves normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Why the test is performedThis test is most often performed when kidney disease is suspected. It may be used as a screening test.
Normally, protein is not found in urine when a routine dipstick test is performed. However, tiny amounts of protein can be detected using special methods. This is because the kidney is supposed to keep large substances like protein in the blood. Even if small amounts of protein do get through, the body normally reabsorbs them.
Some proteins will appear in the urine if the levels of protein in blood become high, even when the kidney is working properly.
If the kidney is diseased, protein will appear in the urine even if blood protein levels are normal.
Normal ValuesFor a random urine sample, the normal values are approximately 0 to 8 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 doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanSmall increases in urine protein levels are usually not a cause for concern.
However, larger amounts of protein in the urine may be due to:
- Amyloidosis
- Bladder tumor
- Congestive heart failure
- Dehydration
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Glomerulonephritis
- Goodpasture syndrome
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Kidney-damaging drugs (nephrotoxic drugs)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Preeclampsia
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Urinary tract infection
Other conditions under which the test may be performed:
- Acute nephritic syndrome
- Body-wide (systemic) infection (sepsis)
- Eclampsia
- Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)
- Interstitial nephritis
- Medullary cystic kidney disease
- Membranoproliferative GN Iand GN II
- Membranous nephropathy
- Necrotizing vasculitis
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
- Rapidly progressive (crescentic) glomerulonephritis
- Reflux nephropathy
- Renal vein thrombosis
There are no risks.
ReferencesLandry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 116.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/20/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What else can I help you with?
Does urine have more protein than protein shakes?
Urine should certainly not contain more protein in it than a protein shake. If there are too high levels of protein in the urine, it is known as proteinuria.
How do you calculate protein amount in 24 hr urine?
urine protein X 24 hr urine volume/ 100
What is protein in human urine?
Protein in the urine is called proteinuria, and is very serious. Have it seen to, promptly.
Is level 10 in protein high in urine?
protein over spill in urine level 10
What is formula for calculating 24 hr urine protein?
To calculate 24-hour urine protein, collect all urine over a 24-hour period and measure the total volume. Then, use a laboratory test to determine the total protein concentration in the urine. The formula is: Total Urine Protein (mg) = Urine Protein Concentration (mg/dL) × Total Urine Volume (dL). This provides the total protein excretion over 24 hours, typically expressed in milligrams.
Is one gram of protein in urine bad?
Small amounts of protein usually aren't a cause for concern. Larger amounts of protein in the urine may indicate a kidney problem. Protein is often found in the urine of young people after they exorcise.
What is the end-product excreted in urine from protein metabolism?
The end-product excreted in urine from protein metabolism is urea.
Is protein in normal urine?
Protein should not be found in the urine. Cause it may mean that your kidney is having a problem with its filtering of substances like protein and BUN.
How much protein in urine is OK?
The amount of protein in your urine that is healthy varies from person to person. Some healthy people spill protein in their urine regularly. Talk with your health care provider for advice specific to your situation.
Will protein-rich diet cause urine to be acidic or basic?
A protein-rich diet typically causes the urine to become more acidic. This is because protein metabolism produces acidic byproducts that are excreted through urine, leading to a decrease in urine pH.
Will sperm put protein in urine?
no
What is a common waste substance in urine that is produced from protein digestion?
Uric acid is a by product of protein digestion and can be found in the urine.
