Protein in urine — known as proteinuria (pro-tee-NU-ree-uh) — is excess protein found in a urine sample. Protein is one of the substances identified during a test to analyze the content of your urine (urinalysis).
Low levels of protein in urine are normal. Temporarily high levels of protein in urine aren't unusual either, particularly in younger people after exercise or during an illness.
Persistently high levels of protein in urine may be a sign of kidney disease.
April 21, 2020
- What you should know about albuminuria (proteinuria). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/proteinuriawyska. Accessed Jan. 19, 2017.
- Protein in urine. American Kidney Fund. http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/kidney-problems/protein-in-urine.html. Accessed Jan. 19, 2017.
- Proteinuria. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/symptoms-of-genitourinary-disorders/proteinuria. Accessed Jan. 19, 2017.
- Rovin BH. Assessment of urinary protein excretion and evaluation of isolated non-nephrotic proteinuria in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 14, 2020.
- Albuminuria: Albumin in the urine. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/tests-diagnosis/albuminuria-albumin-urine. Accessed Jan. 19, 2017.
- Somers MJ. Orthostatic (postural) proteinuria. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 14, 2020.
- Kelepouris E, et al. Overview of heavy proteinuria and the nephrotic syndrome. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 14, 2020.
- O'Connell TX. Proteinuria. In: Instant Work-Ups: A Clinical Guide to Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 20, 2017.