Urine protein test: what the result means
- Updated
- 2026-09-10
- Every number with its source
What protein in urine shows
Protein in urine shows how many protein molecules — mostly albumin — pass from the blood into the urine through the kidney filters (glomeruli). Healthy kidneys keep almost all protein in the blood, so very little or none of it is left in the urine. When the glomerular membrane is damaged (by diabetes, raised blood pressure or an inflammatory kidney disease), protein starts to “leak” into the urine — this condition is called proteinuria. The test is most often done as part of a general urine test using a test strip (dipstick), and if the result is positive it may be repeated as a quantitative test from a random sample or from urine collected over 24 hours. According to MedlinePlus, it is most often ordered when kidney disease is suspected, or as a screening measure for people with diabetes, who are at higher risk of kidney damage. The result is always assessed together with other kidney function markers — creatinine, urea, eGFR.
Reference ranges
| Group | Value | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults, random sample 0–14 mg/dl, converted to g/l (MedlinePlus) | 0–0.14g/l | g/l | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2025-07-13 |
| Adults, urine collected over 24 hours The total amount per day, not a concentration (MedlinePlus) | 30–150mg/day | mg/day | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2025-07-13 |
When the test is done
- As part of a general urine test during a preventive check-up
- In diabetes — to monitor the risk of kidney damage
- In raised blood pressure — when hypertensive kidney damage is suspected
- When signs of kidney disease appear: swelling in the legs or around the eyes, foamy or bloody urine, a changed frequency of urination
- When monitoring a known kidney disease or the course of its treatment
- During pregnancy — when pre-eclampsia is suspected
How to prepare
- Special preparation is usually not needed, but before the test it is worth telling your doctor about the medicines you take
- The result can be temporarily distorted by intense physical exertion, dehydration, fever, contrast medium after a radiology test within the past 3 days, or vaginal fluid getting into the sample
- When collecting urine for the 24-hour test, your doctor or the laboratory will explain how to use the special container and how to collect all the urine passed over the 24 hours
A raised result
A raised amount of protein in the urine (proteinuria) can be temporary — because of intense physical exertion, dehydration, stress or fever — or persistent, indicating kidney damage. According to MedlinePlus, persistent proteinuria is most often caused by kidney disease or by conditions that damage the kidneys, such as diabetes or raised blood pressure. The result is usually assessed together with creatinine and eGFR.
- Temporary factors: intense physical exertion, dehydration, stress, fever
- Diabetes — diabetic kidney disease
- Raised blood pressure, damaging the kidney blood vessels over a long time
- Kidney disease or kidney damage (inflammation of the glomeruli, kidney cysts)
- Heart failure
- Pregnancy complications — pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
- A bone marrow disease (multiple myeloma)
- Bladder problems
Symptoms that can occur
- Swelling in the hands, legs or around the eyes
- Dry, itchy skin
- Tiredness
- A changed frequency of urination
- Foamy or bloody urine
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea, shortness of breath or sleep problems — in more advanced kidney disease
What to discuss with a doctor
- Whether there was intense physical exertion, fever or dehydration around the time of the test — these can raise the result temporarily
- Kidney function markers — creatinine, urea, eGFR
- Blood sugar and blood pressure, if they have not been tested before
- When to repeat the test, so that it is clear whether the change is temporary or persistent
Full site in Lithuanian: proactiva.app
Frequently asked questions
›What is the normal level of protein in urine?
According to MedlinePlus, the normal range in a random urine sample is 0–14 mg/dl (0–0.14 g/l), and in urine collected over 24 hours it is 30–150 mg per day. The exact laboratory range may differ slightly — it is stated on your result report.
›Why can protein be found in the urine if the kidneys are healthy?
A small, temporary rise in protein can occur because of intense physical exertion, dehydration, fever or stress, and does not necessarily mean kidney disease. In such cases a doctor often recommends repeating the test once the period in which these factors were acting has passed.
›Does protein in urine always mean kidney disease?
Not always. According to MedlinePlus, a persistently raised amount of protein is most often linked to kidney damage, which can be caused by diabetes, raised blood pressure or other diseases, but the exact cause is established by a doctor after assessing further tests — creatinine, eGFR and other markers.
›How is the urine protein test done?
Most often a test strip (dipstick) is used: it is dipped into the urine sample and changes colour depending on the amount of protein. If the result is positive, the doctor may order a more precise quantitative test from a random sample or from urine collected over 24 hours.
›Do I need to prepare specially for the test?
According to MedlinePlus, special preparation for a random sample is usually not needed, but it is worth informing your doctor about the medicines you take. The result can be temporarily distorted by intense physical exertion, dehydration or a recent radiology test with a contrast medium.
›When is the urine protein test done more often?
For people with diabetes or raised blood pressure this test is often done regularly, because over time these conditions can damage the kidney filters and cause proteinuria before other symptoms appear.
Sources
Related markers
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.