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 albumin.
Urine protein may be tested using a random sample of urine and a dipstick test, or it may require a 24-hour urine sample.
Your health care provider may tell you to temporarily stop taking any drugs that can interfere with test results.
Drugs that can affect measurements include:
The following may also interfere with test results:
This 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. This is because the kidney is supposed to keep large molecules, such as protein, in the blood and only filter out smaller impurities. Even if small amounts of protein do get through, they are normally reabsorbed by the body and used as a source of energy.
Some proteins will appear in the urine if the levels of protein in blood become high, even when the kidney is functioning properly.
If the kidney is diseased, protein will appear in the urine even if blood levels are normal.
For 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 150 mg per 24 hours.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Abnormal results may be due to:
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Capital Nephrology Medical Group
333 University Av., Suite 120
Sacramento, CA 95825
Tel: 916-929-8564
Fax: 916-929-4529
View Office Locations in a larger map