Total Protein Test
525 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
None
Purpose
The Urine Protein Test is a diagnostic test that measures the amount of protein excreted in urine. It evaluates proteinuria (the presence of excess protein in urine), which can be an early indicator of kidney damage or disease.
This test is important because healthy kidneys typically prevent significant amounts of protein from entering the urine. Finding protein in urine may signal that the kidneys’ filtering function isn’t working properly, often due to conditions like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or glomerulonephritis.
Other tests that can be done alongside the Urine Protein Test include Urinalysis, Serum Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR), 24-hour Urine Collection, and Renal panel.
Patient Preparation
No special preparation is required before the test.
Samples
50 mL aliquot of the entire collection with a minimum volume of 1.0 mL of Urine (24-hour) collected in a plastic urine container without preservative. Collect the urine, including the final specimen at the end of the 24-hour collection period, mix, and secure the lid. Label the container with the patient’s details (name, date of collection, time).
Reference Range
30-150 mg/24 hours
Results Turnaround
24 hours after receipt of samples
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The Urine Protein Test is commonly used to detect and monitor conditions associated with abnormal protein excretion, which often point to kidney dysfunction or systemic diseases.
Elevated protein levels in urine (proteinuria) may indicate:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Hypertension-related kidney damage
- Glomerulonephritis
- Multiple myeloma
- Lupus nephritis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Normal result:
- Indicates minimal or no protein in urine, suggesting normal kidney function.
Mild to moderate proteinuria:
- May indicate early kidney involvement, often reversible with prompt management.
Severe proteinuria:
Suggests significant kidney damage and may require further renal function tests, imaging, or biopsy for diagnosis.
For more on Total Protein Testing, read this study.