Urine protein
Key points
- A urine albumin test measures the amount of protein in urine.
- To quickly see whether or not protein is present in urine, a "spot test" is used.
- The health care provider may advise the person to discontinue drugs that can interfere with the test.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Alternative names
Protein - urine; Albumin - urine; Urine albumin; Proteinuria; Albuminuria
Definition
A urine albumin test measures the amount of protein in urine.
How the test is performed
Urine protein is tested by one of these methods:
1. To quickly see whether or not protein is present in urine, a "spot test" is used. In this test, a chemically treated stick is dipped into a random sample of urine, simply to see if protein is detectable.
2. To actually measure how much protein is being excreted in the urine, a 24-hour urine sample is required.
The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test. The procedure for collecting urine over 24 hours is as follows:
- On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
- Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
- On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
- Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period. Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.
In infants, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag. This procedure may take a couple of attempts - lively infants can displace the bag, causing the specimen to be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.
How to prepare for the test
The health care provider may advise the person to discontinue drugs that can interfere with the test. (See Special Considerations.)
In infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.