Urine Total Protein (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of protein found in your urine, which can help detect kidney problems or other conditions affecting protein loss in the body.
["A urine protein test helps identify potential kidney or systemic issues by checking for abnormal protein presence in urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110615-2
- Short code
- 11DC Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- 11DC Msmt Ur
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, swelling in limbs, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to monitor kidney function in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney disease.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll likely collect a midstream urine sample (midstream clean-catch) or provide a timed 24-hour urine sample. No special preparation is needed unless instructed otherwise.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Higher-than-normal protein levels in urine may suggest kidney damage, proteinuria (excess protein in urine), or conditions like nephrotic syndrome. Lower-than-normal levels may indicate dehydration or normal protein excretion.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test helps diagnose or monitor kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, or other conditions causing protein loss in urine.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urine protein levels can signal kidney damage or dysfunction, which may require further evaluation (e.g., kidney biopsy, imaging). Early detection helps manage conditions like chronic kidney disease or systemic diseases affecting protein metabolism.
Short name
Urine Protein Test
Frequently asked questions
What causes protein in urine?
A urine protein test specifically measures protein lost through urine, while a blood protein test (like albumin or total protein) checks protein levels in your bloodstream. Both serve different diagnostic purposes.
Yes, if your provider orders a 24-hour urine protein test, you’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours in a special container. This provides a more accurate measure of daily protein excretion.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy