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Protein

Urine Analysis Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Urine

Body System

Related System: Urine Analysis

Overview

Protein in a urine analysis refers mainly to albumin and other proteins that appear in the urine when the kidney’s filtration barrier (glomeruli and tubular reabsorption) is impaired or overwhelmed. The test measures the amount of protein excreted in urine—either by a dipstick (qualitative) or by quantitative measurements such as a spot albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) or 24-hour urine protein. Elevated urinary protein can signal kidney disease (glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy), preeclampsia in pregnancy, urinary tract infection, multiple myeloma (light chains), or transient causes like vigorous exercise or fever. Symptoms prompting testing include swelling (edema), foamy urine, unexplained fatigue or hypertension. Age, pregnancy, recent exercise, hydration state and chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension) affect results.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Included in the Urine Analysis profile (often as dipstick) and may be followed by ACR or 24-hour protein if abnormal.
Symptoms: Edema, foamy urine, persistent hypertension, reduced urine output, or known diabetes.
Diagnoses/monitoring: Detects and monitors kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, preeclampsia, and proteinuria from other causes.
Reasons for abnormal: Glomerular damage, tubular dysfunction, overflow of low‑molecular‑weight proteins, infection, or transient/postural causes.
Biological meaning: Indicates increased glomerular permeability or impaired tubular reabsorption.
Lifestyle/family: Heavy exercise, fever, dehydration, NSAID use; family history of kidney disease or diabetes increases testing need.

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Understanding Test Results

A negative dipstick or total urine protein <150 mg/day (ACR <30 mg/g) is normal.
ACR 30–300 mg/g (or protein 150–300 mg/day) denotes moderately increased albuminuria (microalbuminuria) early kidney damage, often from diabetes or hypertension; repeat and evaluate eGFR and control risk factors.
ACR >300 mg/g or 24‑hour protein >300 mg/day indicates overt proteinuria; values >3.5 g/day define nephrotic‑range proteinuria and suggest significant glomerular disease with risks of hypoalbuminemia, edema and hyperlipidemia.
Transient/orthostatic proteinuria (exercise, fever, upright position) causes mild, often reversible increases; very low/absent protein is not clinically concerning.
Markedly abnormal results warrant confirmatory testing (ACR, 24‑hour collection, urine electrophoresis) and prompt nephrology assessment.

Normal Range

<150 mg/day OR <30 mg/g (albumin-to-creatinine ratio)

FAQs

Q: What foods are high in protein?

A: High protein foods include lean meats (chicken, turkey), fish (salmon, tuna), eggs, dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, milk), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), soy products (tofu, tempeh), and high protein grains like quinoa. Nuts and seeds (almonds, peanuts, chia), and protein-rich snacks (edamame, protein bars) are useful for boosting intake throughout the day.

Q: What is the protein?

A: Proteins are large, essential macronutrients composed of amino acid chains that fold into specific shapes. They build and repair tissues, form enzymes and hormones, transport molecules, support immune function, and can provide energy. Dietary proteins come from animal (meat, dairy, eggs) and plant (legumes, nuts, grains) sources; intake needs vary by age, activity and health, commonly about 0.8 g per kg body weight daily.

Q: What are the 7 main proteins?

A: The seven main types of proteins are: enzymes (catalyze biochemical reactions); structural proteins (provide support, e.g., collagen); transport proteins (carry substances, e.g., hemoglobin); contractile/motor proteins (movement, e.g., actin, myosin); storage proteins (store amino acids or ions, e.g., ferritin); signaling/hormonal proteins (coordinate processes, e.g., insulin); and defensive/antibody proteins (immune protection).

Q: What are 20 examples of proteins?

A: Examples include: Hemoglobin (oxygen transport), Myoglobin (muscle oxygen storage), Insulin (hormone), Collagen and Elastin (structural), Actin and Myosin (muscle), Albumin (plasma protein), Immunoglobulins (antibodies), Keratin (hair/nails), Ferritin (iron storage), Cytochrome c (electron transport), Lysozyme, Pepsin, Trypsin (digestive enzymes), Casein, Ovalbumin, Histones (DNA packaging), Fibrinogen (clotting), Tropomyosin. These are common examples of animal and dietary proteins with varied biological roles.

Q: Does banana have protein?

A: Bananas contain a small amount of protein—about 1–1.3 grams in a medium banana (≈100–120 g). They’re primarily a source of carbohydrates, fiber, potassium and vitamin B6, so they’re not a significant protein food. Pair bananas with higher-protein choices (yogurt, nuts, eggs) if you want to increase protein in a meal or snack.

Q: What is a good protein breakfast?

A: A good protein breakfast combines about 20 to 30 grams of high-quality protein with whole grains and fruit or vegetables. Examples: two or three eggs with whole-grain toast and spinach; Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with berries and nuts; a smoothie made with milk or plant milk plus protein powder and banana; or paneer/dal with roti. Protein plus fibre helps satiety and stable blood sugar.