Also Known As: 24-Hour Urine Protein, Urine Total Protein, Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio, UPCR
Test Panel: Urine Protein, Spot Urine Protein, Urine Creatinine, Urine Albumin, Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio, Microalbuminuria,

Why To Get Tested:
- The presence of protein in urine is an indicator of renal diseases.
- This may be done to evaluate the edema.
Required Sample:
- Collect a random sample of urine to rule out the presence of protein.
- 24 hours urine is collected in a sterile container.
- Discard the first sample then collect all other samples for 24 hours.
- Add the last sample in the container.
- Add a few ml of HCL into the container.
- Also, refrigerate the sample during collection.
- Centrifuge and adjust to pH 7.0.
- Analyze a fresh sample.
Precautions for Sample
- Avoid dehydration due to the lake of fluid intake.
- Avoid the contamination of urine from the vaginal secretions.
- Not adequate collection during urinary tract infections (UTI).
- Use of contrast media in radiology within the last three days.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Avoid emotional stress.
Normal Ranges:
- 1 to 14 mg/dL
- At rest = 50 to 80 mg/day
- After intense excercise = <250 mg/day
Lab Diagnosis
- Usually, 24 hours urine sample is needed.
- Urine protein assays are sensitive to all types of proteins like albumin, globulins, and Bence-Jones protein.
- Most of the assay can detect a minimum of 3 mg/dL of protein in the urine.
- Urine dipstick is most commonly used. This is most sensitive to albumin.
- The dipstick can detect albumin when it is about 18 mg/dL
Increased proteinuria is seen in:
- Glomerular diseases :
- Acute and chronic glomerulonephritis.
- Nephrotic syndrome.
- Polycystic kidney
- Amyloidosis.
- Autoimmune diseases like SLE.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Malignant hypertension.
- Decreased tubular reabsorption :
- Acute and chronic pyelonephritis.
- Renal tubular diseases.
- Wilson’s disease.
- Fanconi’s syndrome.
- Interstitial nephritis.
- Cystinosis.
- Other causes are :
- Congestive heart failure.
- Multiple Myeloma.
- Malignant Lymphoma.
- Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.
- Trauma and stress.
- Acute infections like septicemia.
- Toxemia of pregnancy.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Poisoning from phosphorus, gold, mercury, lead, and phenol.
- Drugs like opiates and etc.
- Hypertension.
- Postural proteinuria.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The content on LabTestsGuide.com is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. LabTestsGuide.com is not liable for any decisions made based on the information on this site.




