Test ID: RPTU
Protein, Total, Random, Urine
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Evaluation of renal disease
Screening for monoclonal gammopathy
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Protein in urine is normally composed of a combination of plasma-derived proteins that have been filtered by glomeruli and have not been reabsorbed by the proximal tubules and proteins secreted by renal tubules or other accessory glands.
Increased amounts of protein in the urine may be due to:
-Glomerular proteinuria: caused by defects in permselectivity of the glomerular filtration barrier to plasma proteins (eg, glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome)
-Tubular proteinuria: caused by incomplete tubular reabsorption of proteins (eg, interstitial nephritis)
-Overflow proteinuria: caused by increased plasma concentration of proteins (eg, multiple myeloma, myoglobinuria)
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
2-17 years: 0.0-0.10 mg/mg
18-65 years: 0.0-0.04 mg/mg
Reference values have not been established for patients less than 2 years or greater than 65 years of age.
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Total protein >500 mg/24 hours should be evaluated by immunofixation to determine if a monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain is present, and if so, identify it as either kappa or lambda type.
Urinary protein levels may rise to 300 mg/24 hours in healthy individuals after vigorous exercise.
Low-grade proteinuria may be seen in inflammatory or neoplastic processes involving the urinary tract.
In a random urine specimen, a protein/creatinine or protein/osmolality ratio can be used roughly to approximate 24-hour excretion rates. The normal protein-to-creatinine ratio for adults 18 to 65 years is < or =0.04 mg/mg creatinine and the normal protein-to-osmolality ratio is <0.12.(1) For children 2 to 17 years, the normal protein-to-creatinine ratio is < or =0.1 mg/mg creatinine and protein/osmolality ratio is <0.15 Kg H2O/mosm/L.(2)
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
False-positive urine protein levels (increased) may be due to contamination of urine with menstrual blood, prostatic secretions, or semen.
Protein electrophoresis and immunofixation may be required to characterize and interpret the proteinuria.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Wilson DM, Anderson RL: Protein-osmolality ratio for the quantitative assessment of proteinuria from a random urinalysis sample. Am J Clin Pathol 1993 Oct;100(4):419-424
2. Morgenstern BZ, Butani L, Wollan P, et al: Validity of protein-osmolality versus protein-creatinine ratios in the estimation of quantitative proteinuria from random samples of urine in children. Am J Kidney Dis 2003 Apr;41(4):760-766
3. Keren DF: Clinical indications for electrophoresis and immunofixation. In Manual of Clinical Laboratory Immunology. Fifth edition. Edited by NR Rose, E Conway de Macario, JD Folds, et al. Washington, DC, ASM Press, 1997, pp 65-74
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