URINE ALBUMIN AND PROTEIN LEVELS

Why is this test done? This test is a diagnostic tool to detect kidney and urinary problems. It is also used for diabetes monitoring.
How to prepare:
  • A urine sample is used to perform this test.
  • First morning urine is preferred.
  • There are no dietary restrictions prior to this test.
  • Avoid strenuous exercises the day prior to the test.
Target Values:
  • Normally, there is no albumin in urine and the result from a reagent strip will be negative.
  • Urine output over 150 mg/24 hours is considered abnormal.
Associated Tests: Detection of urine protein levels is part of routine urinalysis, which also includes urine color, odor, pH and density. Glucose, ketone, bilirubin, urobilinogen and heamoglobin levels are also measured, as well as white and red blood cells, bacteria, yeast, parasites, crystals and casts. Glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting glucose and 2 hours postprandial glucose levels are also measured as part of diabetes management.

 

General Information

The kidneys produce urine. They filter the blood and eliminate waste and excess fluids. When they function properly, kidneys allow only certain small size products to go by. When they are damaged, larger molecules, such as proteins, may be able to pass into urine. Albumin is one of the proteins found in blood. It plays various roles, such as drug transport and normal blood pressure regulation.

What does an abnormal test result mean?

If the result is too high
This could indicate that the kidneys are not working properly.

Factors that can affect the result of the test

Certain situations can explain why proteins are found in urine, without it being due to kidney damage. Fever, intense physical exercise, pregnancy, cold exposure or standing while working are examples of such situations.

Certain drugs can influence urine albumin levels. The result could be falsely positive if the person is taking certain drugs, such as:

  • acetazolamide (Diamox™);
  • captopril (Capoten™);
  • methazolamide (Neptazane™);
  • penicillamine (Cuprimine™);
  • tolbutamide (Orinase™);
  • tolmentin (Tolectin ™).

Other drugs can explain the presence of albumin in urine. They include:

  • amphotericin B (Fungizone™);
  • non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs – (ibuprofen (Advil™), diclofenac (Voltaren™));
  • aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicine (Garamycin™), tobramycine (Nebcin™);
  • cephalosporin antibiotic (cephalexin (Keflex™), cefadroxil (Duricef™));
  • high-dose penicillins;
  • auranofine (Ridaura™);
  • aurothiomalate (Myochrysine™);
  • cisplatin (Platinol™);
  • isotretinoin (Accutane™);
  • phenylbutazone (Tandearil™).

 

What you need to know before the test

Before going for blood tests, a procedure or other exam, it is best to always bring a list of all the drugs you take (prescription, OTC and natural health products). Unless told otherwise, you should take your medication as usual on the day of the test. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist for more information.