II. Normal
- Dipstick with trace protein or less
III. 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
- Initial: Dipstick Urine Protein
- 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
IV. Causes: Increased
V. 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
VI. 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)
