Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Urinalysis findings are interpreted with symptoms, collection conditions, medical history and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the performing laboratory's own reference interval and reporting method first.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Clearly abnormal, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected findings should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Protein in Urine: What Does This Test Mean?

The Protein in Urine test assesses the presence or amount of protein in urine.

Test summary

Test name: Protein in Urine
Abbreviations: Protein, Proteinuria
Category: Urinalysis / Kidney
Panel: Urinalysis
Specimen: Urine
Common units: negative, trace, mg/dL, mg/24h

What does the test measure?

The Protein in Urine test assesses the presence or amount of protein in urine.

Why is the test ordered?

It is used to screen for or monitor proteinuria and kidney filtration abnormalities.

Information about a low result

Negative or very low urine protein is generally expected on routine testing.

Information about a high result

Increased urine protein may be transient or associated with kidney disease; persistence and tests such as uACR provide important context.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own.

Reference range 1

>= 0 – <= 14 mg/dL

Population: Random urine sample
Specimen: Urine
Method: Quantitative / dipstick context

Sourced reference context for Protein in Urine

This is sourced example reference/clinical-context information; the user's own laboratory report and specimen conditions take priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own. Interpretation may be more informative when related urine parameters are considered together.

Related specialties

Urology
Nephrology
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

High Protein in Urine: What Does It Mean?

Sources

Urinalysis — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Urinalysis components, routine use and qualitative normal findings · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Protein in Urine — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Urine protein interpretation and random urine example range · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Albuminuria: Albumin in the Urine — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
U.S. government clinical reference · 2025 · Urine albumin and kidney disease context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Urinary casts — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Urinary casts and qualitative normal context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026