Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Urine protein measurement is performed to assist with the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions including renal disease, multiple myeloma and pre-eclampsia.
Specimen container paediatric:
Plain universal container (random urine sample)
Specimen container adult:
Plain universal container (random urine sample) or plain bottle (24 hour urine collection)
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 mL aliquot
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL aliquot
Sample stability:
at +15° to +25°C: 1 day
at +2° to +8°C: 7 days
at -20°C: 1 month
Interpretation:
Only very small quantities of protein are found in normal urine.
Proteinuria may be due to renal damage or disease which can either be glomerular or tubular in origin.
Glomerular proteinuria is the more common form; massive proteinuria is always of glomerular origin.
Proteinuria may occur with normal renal function if abnormally large amounts of low molecular weight proteins are being produced, e.g. in Bence-Jones proteinuria, myoglobinuria and haemoglobinuria.
In pregnant women elevated urine protein is associated with pre-eclampsia.
Urine protein/creatinine ratio is commonly used to monitor high levels of proteinuria in patients with chronic kidney disease.
In some individuals proteinuria may be persistent or transient-Transient proteinuria is usually mild and may occur only when individuals are in the upright position(orthostatic /postural), during illness or after vigorous exercise.
Reference ranges:
– 24h urine collection (g/24h)
Adult: <0.140- Random urine sample (mg/mmol creatinine)
Children and adults: <15
Factors affecting result:
Hydration state