Protein in Urine - Urine Protein

A urine protein test is used to detect the presence of protein in a person's urine. Normally, protein is not excreted in urine because the protein molecules are too large to pass through the filtering membranes in the kidneys. If these filtering structures are damaged, protein escapes. The presence of protein in the urine is an important indicator of kidney disease.

Who is a candidate for the test?

A test for protein in urine is done when a person is suspected of having:

Pregnant women are routinely tested for protein in the urine during prenatal visits to the healthcare provider. Protein in the urine during pregnancy can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition that can cause high blood pressure in the mother.

How is the test performed?

A person is asked to supply a urine sample. First, the area around the urethra should be washed to prevent contamination of the sample. Then, the person should:

The container should be covered and delivered to the health care provider for testing. The sample is usually the first urine of the day.

Sometimes a 24-hour urine collection is needed for more accurate results. In this process, a person collects all the urine he or she voids during a 24-hour period. In general, this schedule is followed:

Often, urinary protein and several other substances are measured at the same time in a screening test known as urinalysis.

What is involved in preparation for the test?

A person should request specific instructions from his or her health care provider.

What do the test results mean?

Normally, there should be no protein detected in the urine. The presence of protein may indicate:

Author:Stephanie Slon, BA
Date Written:
Editor:Duff, Ellen, BA
Edit Date:04/21/00
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:09/20/01

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