test Details

Congestive Cardiac Failure, Urinary Tract Infection,  Nephrotic Syndrome, Toxemia of Pregnancy

The presence of protein in urine in abnormal amounts, i.e., more than average, is known as proteinuria. It can be detected using a urine protein test. In a routine urine analysis, a dipstick urine protein test is used to screen the population for excess protein in the urine. It primarily detects the protein albumin as it might not get detected using conventional methods.

As we have been taught, proteins are the body's building blocks of the body. Our body is almost entirely composed of it except the fat and water. The bones, muscles, hair, nails, and organs have protein as their essential component. Thus, protein will majorly be found in the blood.

Healthy kidneys make sure that no protein is excreted in the urine. But, whenever there is damage to the kidneys, the protein tends to leak in urine and is detected by means of a urine protein test. Albumin is the doctor's favourite protein to look for in this abnormality.

Albumin accounts for 80% of authority for controlling the body's osmotic pressure to prevent fluid from leaking and causing oedema or ascites (fluid in the abdomen). This condition of urinary albumin excretion is termed microalbuminuria. It can occur in diabetic complications, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia.

These proteins perform various functions, like maintaining viscosity and osmotic pressure, Ensuring acid-base balance, promoting blood clotting, playing a crucial role in defence mechanisms, transporting nutrients and respiratory gases, removes waste products from the body to the kidney.

A positive urine protein test will mean the excretion of protein in the urine and is considered an early marker of kidney damage. It can be due to pre-renal, renal, and post-renal diseases. The earlier the diagnosis, the more successful the chances of treatment and rehabilitation.

There is an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease in India, due to which several kidney-related problems arise. CKD can progress to ESRD or end-stage renal failure. It is increasingly becoming a significant cause of mortality and morbidity among children aged 8-16 years too.

The solution to kidney disease progression is a screening and diagnostic test that can be achieved using a urine protein test for routine screening for proteinuria. Early diagnosis and identification can help reduce the burden of kidney-related ailments in India among the elderly, adults, and children.

Other Names for Urine Protein Test

• Urine Total Protein Test
• Spot urine protein test

What does the Urine Protein Test detect/measure, and who is this prescribed for?

The urine protein test detects the presence or absence of protein in the urine. It is an important diagnostic marker for chronic kidney diseases. It is analysed based on a urine sample given by you to healthcare professionals.

The urine protein test can help assess:

• Toxaemia of pregnancy: It is also known as preeclampsia. It is characterised by a sudden rise in blood pressure, swelling in the legs and arms, and the presence of protein in the urine. If left untreated can result in pregnancy complications.
• Urinary tract infections or UTIs.
• Certain types of cancer, like multiple myeloma.
• Lupus is an autoimmune disorder.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Diabetes.
• Nephrotic syndrome.

A urine protein test is prescribed to those experiencing symptoms like:

• Oedema: It is swelling due to fluid build-up in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.
• Facing difficulty in urinating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• No urge to eat food or drink.
• Nocturia: It means frequent urination at night, which causes you to wake up.
• Itching.
• Fatigue.

Reference: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/238158-workup#c1 

Is the protein in urine serious?

Ans. Yes, protein in urine is most of the time severe as it is an early diagnostic marker for chronic kidney diseases. There are some physiological causes and pathological causes. It can help doctors find the right reason behind elevated protein levels and positive urine protein results.

Thus, the presence of protein in urine can be serious and immediately progress towards end-stage renal failure.

Can protein in urine be temporary?

Yes, protein in urine can be temporary. Some physiological causes, like:

• Pregnancy
• Vigorous exercise
• High intake of protein in the diet
• Physical and emotional stress
• Postural proteinuria, especially when standing.

These can lead to a temporary rise in urine protein levels and show positive urine protein tests.

The results of the urine protein test can help yield information about chronic kidney disease development.

Microalbuminuria: Small quantities of albumin of more than 30 to 300 mg/day seen in urine diagnose microalbuminuria. Your doctor will advise an early morning midstream sample.

The urine protein test results are based on analysing a urine sample.

Test Preparation

1. Before the test

No specific preparations are needed before the collection of urine samples. Although, there is a set of instructions you must follow for a "clean-catch sample." They are:

• Wash and disinfect your hands using mild soap and warm water.
• Clean your genital area with a cotton or soft cloth. Men must clean the top portion of the penis, and women should clean the labia from front to back.

2. During the sample collection

Start urinating in the toilet and gradually move the container underneath the urine stream. Fill the container up to the marking and make sure it is not leaking.

3. After sample collection

Wash and disinfect your hands and submit the sample as per instructions to your healthcare professional. It is more likely that your doctor will instruct a 24-hour urine sample collection.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

1. Random urine sample: Single urine sample is collected to conduct a urine protein test at any random time of the day but can sometimes show faulty results due to infection, pregnancy, stress, or strenuous exercise.
2. 24-hour urine sample: Here, the patient is given multiple containers to collect their urine at various times of the day. It is essential to discard the first-morning urine and keep track of time for the next 24 hours. This process can either be done in a hospital or at home, where you must refrigerate the urine test samples.
3. Dipstick urine test: The dipstick test is a non-conventional method to detect albumin in the urine primarily. It is a simple parameter where the stick changes colour depending on the presence or absence of albumin protein.

How frequently should you take this test?

Doctors advise getting a routine urine examination once as a child and then as an adult at regular intervals. If your periodic samples are healthy, you may get a urinalysis done once or twice a year.

Otherwise, your doctor will prescribe a urine protein test if they suspect concerning signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction accordingly.