Understanding the Protein Urine Test

A protein urine test is used to measure the amount of protein in urine. Normally, healthy individuals do not have protein in their urine. However, when the kidneys are not working properly, protein may be excreted in the urine. Protein may also be found in the urine if there are high levels of certain proteins in the bloodstream. A urine test for protein may be done as a random one-time sample or a 24-hour collection sample. A urine protein test is also called urine albumin test or proteinuria.

Your doctor may order this test if he or she suspects a kidney problem. This test may also be ordered if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or as part of a routine urinalysis.A small amount of protein in the urine is normally not a problem. However, larger levels of protein in the urine may be caused by:

• urinary tract infection
• diabetes
• dehydration
• amyloidosis (a build-up of protein in the body’s tissues)
• drugs that damage the kidneys (such as NSAIDs, antimicrobials, diuretics, and chemotherapy drugs)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnant women)
• heavy metal poisoning
• polycystic kidney disease
• congestive heart failure
• glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease that causes kidney damage)
• systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease)
• Good pasture syndrome (an autoimmune disease)
• multiple myeloma (a type of cancer affecting bone marrow)
• bladder tumor or cancer

Certain people are more at risk for developing kidney problems. Your doctor may order regular protein urine testing to help screen for kidney problems if you have one or more risk factors. Risk factors include:

• having a chronic condition such as diabetes or hypertension
• having a family history of kidney disease
• being of African American, American Indian, Hispanic American, or Pacific Islander descent
• being overweight
• being an older age

It is important that you are well hydrated before giving your urine sample. This helps make giving the urine sample easier and prevents dehydration, which can affect test results.One of the ways protein is tested in the urine is with a random, one-time sample. This may also be called a dipstick test. You may give your sample in your doctor’s office, in a medical laboratory, or at home.