Protein Urine
Understanding Protein Urine
What is Protein Urine?
Protein urine test measures the amount of protein in urine. Normally traces of protein can be found in urine but detection of considerable amount of proteins in urine may be due to impaired filtration capacity of kidneys. This condition might indicate a kidney damage. This test is recommended to patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension as they are more prone to kidney problems. In these cases a regular monitoring of protein levels is mandatory to check the kidney health and avoid any further complications.
Sometimes a very low amount of protein can indicate urinary tract infection, dehydration or stones as well.
What is Protein Urine used for?
The Protein, Urine is done:
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To monitor kidney functioning as a part of a routine checkup or as part of a follow-up to a previous positive urine protein test
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To check for damage when the patient is suffering from a condition that affects the kidneys
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To see if a kidney function is responding to the suggested treatment
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If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI)
Interpreting Protein Urine results
Interpretations
TYPES OF PROTEINURIA |
TOTAL PROTEIN IN g /day |
CONDITIONS |
Heavy |
> 4 |
Nephrotic syndrome, Acute Rapidly Progressive & Chronic Glomerulonephritis, Diabetes mellitus, Lupus erythematosus, Drugs like Penicillamine, Heavy metals like Gold & Mercury |
Moderate |
1 - 4 |
Nephrosclerosis, Multiple myeloma, Toxic nephropathy, Renal calculi |
Minimal |
< 1 |
Chronic pyelonephritis, Chronic interstitial nephritis, Renal tubular diseases, Postural |
Levels are increased in diseases like:
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Diabetes
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Hypertension (High blood pressure)
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Nephrotic syndrome (High amounts of p
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Protein is passed through the kidneys into the urine)
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Drug nephrotoxicity (Toxicity in kidneys due to drugs)