Testing for protein in urine is typically done via a test called a urinalysis. This simple urine test can detect protein levels in the urine and can be conducted in a doctor’s office. After your urine sample is collected, it is tested with a dipstick. When your urine has large amounts of protein, the strip of paper will change color. Technicians may also examine the sample via microscope. (5) Show If a urinalysis detects protein in the urine, your doctor will likely order an additional urine test or tests to determine if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may also conduct blood tests to measure your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which can tell them how well your kidneys are filtering out waste, as well as other blood tests if needed to help identify the cause of the proteinuria. Additional tests may include an ultrasound, CT scan, or kidney biopsy. (5) When your urine is tested for protein, the test compares the amounts of albumin and creatinine, an amino acid, in your urine. A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) higher than 30 milligrams per gram (mg/g) observed more than twice over a three-month period may indicate kidney disease. (7) Though a simple dipstick urine test can detect large amounts of protein, a chemical analysis must be performed to detect smaller amounts known as microalbuminuria. (7) People with diabetes may be tested one to two times a year for microalbuminuria, which can be an early sign of damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes. (2) Microalbuminuria can also be an indicator of potential heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots. (7) If you get an abnormal result that detects protein in the urine, your doctor will also probably want to check your cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure to determine what conditions might be contributing to proteinuria. If you have a medical condition associated with increased risk of kidney disease, ask your doctor if you need regular urinalysis testing. You can also ask your doctor for recommendations on lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of developing kidney disease. Proteinuria, or protein in the urine, occurs when your kidneys aren’t functioning normally, allowing protein to leave your body through your urine. Kidneys with normal function filter toxins out of the blood, while keeping nutrients like protein circulating. Having too much protein in your urine can mean that your kidneys are filtering too much protein out of your blood—protein that your body needs to build muscles and maintain strong bones. What else causes protein in urine?Proteinuria causes are linked to other conditions. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and kidney damage from those two conditions can result in proteinuria. Lupus, arthritis and other immune system disorders can also cause proteinuria. Protein in the urine can even be a warning sign of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. What are the symptoms of proteinuria?Most often, protein in urine won’t be noticeable until a lab test confirms it. And since so many things can cause protein in your urine, a positive test isn’t an immediate cause for concern. If your doctor sees the need, you may be asked to take another urine test or even participate in a 24-hour urine collection for further testing. In some cases, proteinuria symptoms may be noticeable:
If you notice proteinuria symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Your kidneys filter waste products from your blood while keeping what your body needs — including proteins. However, some diseases and conditions allow proteins to pass through the filters of your kidneys, causing protein in urine. Conditions that can cause a temporary rise in the levels of protein in urine, but don't necessarily indicate kidney damage, include:
Tests to identify protein in urine are critical for diagnosing and screening for diseases of the kidneys or other conditions affecting kidney function. These tests are also used to monitor disease progression and treatment effect. These diseases and conditions include:
Other conditions and factors affecting the kidneys that may result in protein in urine include:
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information,
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See also
. What does high protein in urine look like?Foamy or bubbly pee. Swelling (edema) in your hands, feet, belly, and face. Peeing more often. Shortness of breath.
How would you know if you had protein in your urine?A protein in urine test is often part of a urinalysis, a test that measures different cells, chemicals, and substances in your urine. Urinalysis is used to check your general health. This test may also be used to diagnose or monitor kidney disease and many other types of health problems.
What happens when your urine has too much protein?Is protein in urine serious? Yes, protein in your urine is serious. Proteinuria may increase your risk of death from heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Occasionally, proteinuria is an early sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD), although you can have CKD and have normal levels of protein in your urine.
How can I test my urine for protein at home?To test your urine on a daily basis, use a simple test kit containing a urine testing strip that you dip into a fresh sample of your urine. Follow the instructions on the kit and find the results by matching the color of the strip to color blocks on the container.
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What does too much protein in urine look like
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