urine protein/ 24-hour urinary protein Test

The trace of protein in urine is frequently measured as a screening test, whenever a urinalysis is performed. This may be done as part of a routine physical, a pregnancy workup, when a urinary tract infection is suspected, as part of hospital admission, or whenever the doctor wants to evaluate kidney function. Proteins are the "building blocks" of the human body.

The albumin to Creatinine Test Ratio (urine protein test) test measures the degree of protein leakage from the kidneys and may help assess the degree of kidney inflammation. However, the 24-hour Urine Protein Test is an alternative to the albumin to creatinine ratio.

What Is A Urine Test?

A urine examination measures the amount of protein your urine contains. Healthy people typically don't have a high protein content, and too much protein in urine indicates improper functioning of the kidneys. Your protein trace in urine test will reveal if you have any symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI), diabetes, dehydration, hypertension, heavy metal poisoning, bladder tumours, or preeclampsia. 

Common causes of kidney problems in people are a family history of kidney disease, obesity, age, and other chronic medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension. If you are of Hispanic, African-American, or American-Indian descent, you may be a higher risk of kidney problems.

A UPT is commonly required to help assess the functioning of the kidneys; apart from this pregnant women get tested for UPT as part of routine prenatal care.

You will need this test to check for symptoms of bladder cancer and tumour in your kidneys. The urine analysis is also used to screen other possible medical conditions which can lead to proteinuria or microalbuminuria. 

Pregnant women may have this test as part of routine prenatal care to screen for preeclampsia.

One may be tested for protein in their urine. Proteinuria may not cause symptoms in the early stage.

But as kidney function worsens, one may notice these symptoms:

• Swelling in the face, hands or feet
• Foamy dark coloured urine
• A higher level of blood creatinine

One may also need this test if they:

• Are diabetic
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a family member who has chronic kidney disease or are at risk for kidney disease.

You may have to take blood tests and ultrasound scanning of the kidneys alongside your regular urine test to diagnose illnesses, infections, and other medical conditions. In addition to the 24-hour urine test, you may have to take a positive protein-to-creatinine ratio test.

Multiple urine samples are collected for the urine protein test while only one sample is required for the positive protein-to-creatinine ratio test. 

Your doctor may order other types of urine tests such as a serum test and a urine protein electrophoresis if he is unable to diagnose the types of protein in your urine. The urine test price is affordable and is recommended for patients who suspect they have kidney problems.

Your urine test procedure results may not mean anything normally. The urine protein normal range for a urine routine examination is 50mg to 80mg for sedentary patients while less than 250mg is considered normal within a 24-hour period for those who have exercised before taking the test.

You should talk to your doctor regarding what your test results indicate after you get your report or if you want to learn how to reduce protein in urine.

Sample collection won't involve anything else besides normal urination. You'll have to keep collecting your samples in containers throughout a 24-hour period. 

Specimen type:

• Urine Specimen collection procedure 24-hour urine sample
• Care must be taken to clean the genitals well before collection.

Follow these steps to get the sample

Day 1:

• The first morning urine sample on Day 1 must not be collected, i.e. bladder must be emptied for the first time.
• Note down the exact time of discarding the 1st urine sample.
• All urine for the next 24 hours should be collected in the special container provided.

Day 2:

•  Collect the first-morning urine of Day 2 into the same container, at the same time or within 10 minutes as that noted on the morning of  Day 1.
•  Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.

No known risks are associated with this test and it is considered safe.

Your urine protein creatinine ratio test results may be affected due to factors such as intensive exercise before sample collection, too much bodybuilding, chronic medical conditions like diabetes/hypertension and any other non-prescription drugs, supplements and medications you take before you appear for this test. 

It is recommended not to take any antibiotics, Vitamin C supplements, and specific medications designed for treating Parkinson's Disease before the test.

General preparations you have to make before appearing for your 24-hour urine protein test is staying relaxed and not exercising too much since these factors elevate protein levels in urea. Building too much muscle mass will affect the amount of creatinine in your body, and if you are ill, that may affect test results too.

Your doctor will ask you to stop taking certain medications before the test since it may interfere with the results. In addition, you will have to inform your doctor beforehand about any over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbal supplements and non-prescription medications you take. 

You can expect your urine test results within 24 to 36 Hours.

Preparatory instructions before the test 

* No special preparations required.

You can take a home test for protein in urine by opting for our healthcare services, and you will get your urine test report delivered to your doorstep.

If any abnormal results are noted, we will ask you to do a urine retest based on medical reports and symptoms or ask you to go the hospital for a complete checkup and examination.