Protein in Urine

A protein in urine test measures how much protein is in your urine (pee). Normally, you have very little protein in your urine. A large amount of protein in urine (proteinuria) may mean you have a kidney problem.

Your kidneys are organs that filter extra water and waste out of your blood to make urine. Proteins are large molecules that are essential for your body to work properly. They have many important functions, including giving your body energy, rebuilding muscles, and helping your immune system.

Protein is found in all parts of your body, including your blood. When your kidneys clean waste from your blood, tiny filters prevent the large protein molecules from leaving your body through your urine. If there is a problem with your kidneys, protein can leak into your urine.

High protein levels in your urine over a period of time may be the first sign that kidney disease or another condition has damaged the filters in your kidneys. A protein in urine test can help you find kidney damage early. This may help your health care provider determine the best treatment.

You can also start making changes to protect your kidneys.

Why this test is done

Your provider may order a protein in urine test as part of your routine checkup, to monitor a condition affecting your kidneys, or if you have symptoms of kidney disease. With some types of kidney disease, such as chronic kidney disease, you may not have symptoms until the later stages of the disease. These symptoms may include:

• Swelling in the hands and feet or puffy eyelids
• Dry skin, itching, or numbness
• Fatigue
• Increased or decreased urination
• Urine that is bloody or foamy
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sleep problems
• Trouble thinking clearly

Protein in urine may be an early sign of kidney disease before you have symptoms. So your provider may order a protein in urine test if you have a high risk for kidney disease. You're more likely to develop kidney disease if you have:

• A family history of kidney disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease

Taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines can damage your kidneys, too. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium) can harm your kidneys if you take them for a long period or if you have certain medical conditions. Talk with your provider about your risk for kidney disease.

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations to test for protein in urine. If your provider has ordered a 24-hour urine sample, you will be given a special container to collect your urine and instructions on how to collect and store your samples.

Sample type

Urine

Other names for this test

urine protein, 24-hour urine protein; urine total protein; ratio; reagent strip urinalysis