A Urine protein test is a simple diagnostic urine test to detect the amount of proteins present in your pee (urine). Proteins are important molecules required to carry out various body functions. Normal protein level in urine is around 150 mg per day, above this value indicates problem in kidneys. Elevated levels of protein are called proteinuria. You can also do a protein urine test at home using a urine protein test kit.
This article will reveal the purpose of the protein urine test, why your doctor asked for this urine test, what the procedure will be and how you can prepare before going for the urine protein test.
Why is the Urine Protein Test done?
A Urine protein test is asked by doctors to check for the presence of proteins in urine.
Proteinuria is a medical term for increased amounts of proteins in urine.
What are proteins?
Proteins are molecules that are produced in the body or derived from the diet. Proteins are very essential biochemical substances which carry out body functions. Thousands of types of molecules are destined for accomplishing various tasks inside the body, be it growth, muscle development, fighting infections, undergoing metabolic reactions, movements, etc.
Types of proteins Present in Urine
- 1. Globulin
- 2. Albumin
- 3. Bence-Jones protein
- 4. Mucoprotein in the urine
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Why did my Doctor ask for a Protein Urine Test?
Your doctor wants to check the amount of proteins and type of proteins released on your urine. Doctors observe the protein urine test reports for elevated levels of certain protein which indicate which type of problem you might be having. Protein urine test measures the amount and types of proteins present in the urine. The protein urine test is recommended especially for diabetic patients and patients with kidney dysfunctions.
Factors that Cause Protein in Urine
Basically, proteinuria is of two types, transient proteinuria and persistent proteinuria.
Causes for Transient proteinuria
Major causes of transient proteinuria includes,
- 1. Heavy workout
- 2. Vaginal discharge
- 3. Bacterial or viral infections in urinary tract
- 4. Orthostatic proteinuria not found in adults above 32 years
- 5. Pregnancy
- 6. Fever
-
Causes for Persistent Proteinuria
Primary and secondary renal diseases
- 1. Tubular
- 2. Glomerulonephritis
- 3. Vasculitis
- 4. Amyloidosis
- 5. Diabetes mellitus
- 6. Myeloma
- 7. Connective tissue problems
- 8. Hypertension
- 9. Cardiac failure
-
Other causes of Proteinuria that are not related to diseases include,
- 1. Emotional stress
- 2. Acute illness
- 3. Dehydration
- 4. Physical workouts
- 5. Fever
- 6. Orthostatic proteinuria
- 7. Hear injury
- 8. Fever
- 9. Inflammatory problems
-
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. What are proteins?
Proteins are molecules that play important roles in the body. They are involved in almost all structural and functional processes of the cells and organ systems in the body.
Q.2. What are the causes for increased protein levels in urine?
Benign causes of Proteinuria that are not related to diseases include,
- 1. Emotional stress
- 2. Acute illness
- 3. Dehydration
- 4. Physical workouts
- 5. Fever
- 6. Orthostatic proteinuria
- 7. Hear injury
- 8. Fever
- 9. Inflammatory problems
-
Q.3. What are the causes of transient proteinuria?
Major causes of transient proteinuria includes,
- 1. Heavy workout
- 2. Vaginal discharge
- 3. Bacterial or viral infections in urinary tract
- 4. Orthostatic proteinuria not found in adults above 32 years
- 5. Pregnancy
- 6. Fever
-
Q.4. What are the causes of persistent proteinuria?
Major Causes for Persistent Proteinuria, includes,
Primary and secondary renal diseases
- 1. Tubular
- 2. Glomerulonephritis
- 3. Vasculitis
- 4. Amyloidosis
- 5. Diabetes mellitus
- 6. Myeloma
- 7. Connective tissue problems
- 8. Hypertension
- 9. Cardiac failure
-
Q.5. Why did my doctor ask for a protein urine test?
Your doctor wants to check the amount of proteins and type of proteins released on your urine. Doctors observe the protein urine test reports for elevated levels of certain protein which indicate which type of problem you might be having. Protein urine test measures the amount and types of proteins present in the urine. The protein urine test is recommended especially for diabetic patients and patients with kidney dysfunctions.
Q.6. What are the different types of proteins present in urine?
Major types of proteins present in urine are as follows,
- 1. Globulin
- 2. Albumin
- 3. Bence-Jones protein
- 4. Mucoprotein in the urine
-
Q.7. What is proteinuria?
Proteinuria is a medical term used by doctors and lab professionals for abnormally increased amounts of proteins in urine. Basically, proteinuria is of two types, transient proteinuria and persistent proteinuria. Persistent proteinuria indicates serious renal problems. In some cases, elevated proteinuria also points out cardiovascular problems.
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