Protein - Random (Spot) Urine

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required
Urine sample must preferably be the midstream urine (part of urine that comes after first and before the last stream). Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile container provided by our sample collection professional. Make sure that the container doesn't come in contact with your skin. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed.

Understanding Protein - Random (Spot) Urine

What is Protein - Random (Spot) Urine?

Protein - Random (Spot) Urine is a test to measure the amount of proteins in urine. Normally traces of protein can be found in urine but detection of elevated amount of protein 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. 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 - Random (Spot) Urine used for?

To screen for excess protein in the urine
To monitor kidney function
To detect kidney damage
To screen nephrotic syndromes

What does Protein - Random (Spot) Urine measure?

This test measures protein released into the urine. The normal protein secreted is less than 150 mg/day and albumin less than 30 mg/day. It has been observed that in conditions like pregnancy, infections, stress, diet, heavy exercise, or exposure to cold the levels of the protein rise temporarily. If these high levels of protein in urine continue to rise, it suggests damage to the kidney. Due to this damage, the basic function of kidney like filtration gets affected which leads to increased levels of protein in the urine. The liver produces protein albumin which comprises of 50% to 60% of the protein in the blood. The rest of the content comprises of a mixture of globulins which includes immunoglobulins.

In chronic (from a long time) diseases like diabetes and hypertension, the increase in protein levels in urine indicates kidney damage. However, early kidney damage does not produce any symptoms. With time as the damage increases, symptoms such as swelling of the face, neck, hands, feet along with shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue occur. In conditions like multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and amyloidosis there is excessive production of protein which leads to the high secretion of protein in the urine.

Interpreting Protein - Random (Spot) Urine results

Interpretations

Normal reference range irrespective of all age

Protein Total, Random Urine < 14.00 mg/dL

(Reference range may vary from lab to lab)

Levels are increased in diseases like:

Diabetes
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Nephrotic syndrome (High amounts of protein is passed through the kidneys into the urine)
Drug nephrotoxicity (Toxicity in kidneys due to drugs)

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Protein - Random (Spot) Urine

Frequently Asked Questions about Protein - Random (Spot) Urine

Q. How is Protein - Random (Spot) Urine test performed?

The test is performed on urine sample. Start urinating normally and let some urine flow before catching and collecting 30 to 60 ml urine in the sterilized container available from the lab or any pharmacy. After collecting the sample, finish urinating into the toilet or urinal. This process is called midstream clean catch method. Urine sample may also be collected using a catheter inserted through the urethra directly into the urinary bladder. Sample collected through a catheter usually has no contamination. Dipstick method is used in which a specially treated paper strip is dipped in the urine sample. The strip contains squares in which color is present. As the strip is dipped into the urine sample, the color of the strip changes. It is then compared to the chart.

Q. Is there any risk associated with Protein - Random (Spot) Urine test?

No, there are no risks associated with this test.

Q. What are the signs of proteins passing from the kidneys into the urine?

In the early stages, the body shows no signs and symptoms. If there is more damage to the kidney then more amounts of protein start to pass from the kidney to the urine. Due to this swelling of hands, feet, face, and abdomen occurs. If damage to the kidneys continues, it can lead to permanent loss of function, which might result in kidney transplant or dialysis.

Q. What are the other conditions which can result in secretion of proteins apart from kidney disease?

Other conditions that can result in the secretion of proteins include diet, menstruation, physical activity, or urinary tract infection.

Q. What are the additional tests a doctor may prescribe in case of protein random (spot) urine test results are normal?

The doctor may prescribe the following tests: Urine Routine & Microscopy Culture urine

Q. What can affect the results of protein - random (spot) urine test?

This test can be adversely affected if the patient has recently taken antibiotics before the sample collection. It may also be affected if the urine sample is not collected properly.

Q. What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic Syndrome is a disorder of kidney in which high amounts of protein are secreted in urine. It occurs due to damage to blood vessels which causes a defect in the filtration process. This can cause symptoms that include swelling of feet and ankles. It also increases the risk of health problems.

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