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Alternative names Return to top
Urine protein; Albumin - urine; Urine albumin; Proteinuria; AlbuminuriaDefinition Return to top
A urine albumin test measures the amount of protein in urine.How the test is performed Return to top
Urine protein is tested by one of these methods:
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:
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 Return to top
The health care provider may advise the person to discontinue drugs that can interfere with the test. (See Special Considerations.)How the test will feel Return to top
The test only involves normal urination, and there is no discomfort.Why the test is performed Return to top
This test is most often performed when kidney disease is suspected. It may be used as a screening test.
Normally, protein is not found in urine when a routine dipstick test is performed. This is because the kidney is supposed to keep large molecules, such as protein, in the blood and only filter out smaller impurities. Even if small amounts of protein do get through, they are normally re-absorbed by the body and used as a source of energy.
Some proteins will appear in the urine if the levels of protein in blood become high, even when the kidney is functioning properly.
If the kidney is diseased, protein will appear in the urine -- even if the blood levels are normal.
Normal Values Return to top
Note: mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter
What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results may mean an increase in urine protein, and this may indicate:What the risks are Return to top
There are no risks.Special considerations Return to top
Interfering factors include:
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |