Lab
Urine Protein
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Urine Protein
, Urine Albumin
See Also
24 Hour Urine Protein
Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio
Proteinuria
Urine Microalbumin
Normal
Dipstick with trace protein or less
Technique
First morning void collected
Orthostatic Proteinuria
(benign, common cause in male teens) may be seen with later samples in the day
Detection Method
Initial: Dipstick Urine Protein
High
Test Sensitivity
and
Test Specificity
(>99%) for albumin, but not for other proteins
Confirmation
Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio
Sulfosalicylic Acid Test
(older test)
Dipstick turns from yellow to green for protein present (Tetrabromophenol blue colorimetric method)
Negative: <10 mg/dl
Trace: 10-20 mg/dl
Protein 1+: 30 mg/dl (abnormal)
Protein 2+: 100 mg/dl
Protein 3+: 300 mg/dl
Protein 4+: 1000 mg/dl
Causes
Increased
See
Proteinuria in Adults
See
Proteinuria in Children
Causes
False Positive
Alkaline urine (
Urine pH
>8)
Increased
Urine Specific Gravity
(concentrated,
Urine Specific Gravity
>1.030)
Dipstick immersed too long in urine (or placed directly in urine stream)
Non-albumin proteins
Medications
Penicillin
Sulfonamide
Tolbutamide
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
Chlorhexidine
contamination (
Hibiclens
, Peridex)
Iodinated radiocontrast in urine
Benzalkonium
Body fluid contamination
Gross Hematuria
present
Bacteriuria
Pus
Semen
Vaginal secretions
Causes
False Negative
Albumin is not the primary protein
Light chain protein (detected by Sulfosalicylic acid)
Dilute urine (
Urine Specific Gravity
<1.010)
Urine Protein concentration <10 mg per deciliter
Urine pH
decreased (pH <4.5)
References
Leung (2017) Am Fam Physician 95(4): 248-54 [PubMed]
Simerville (2005) Am Fam Physician 71(6): 1153-62 [PubMed]
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