Urine protein

Testing for protein in the urine is important as it can help evaluate patients for kidney disease.

Urine protein Overview

Reviewed: April 22, 2014
Updated: 

In an individual with normal renal function, there is no protein in the urine. In the case of renal dysfunction, protein may pass through, the filtrate membrane in the kidneys, and be excreted in the urine. This test helps assess the patient for renal disease.

A normal test urine collection will be negative for proteins.

 

Technique

Urine collection

Preparation

Fasting is not required before the test

What the results mean

Fever, hard exercise, pregnancy, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and some other diseases may cause protein to be in the urine.