Word parts
What it means
Healthy kidneys keep most protein in the blood, so urine has very little. When the kidney filters are damaged, protein (mainly albumin) leaks into the urine. It is found by a dipstick or a lab test. It can be a sign of kidney disease from diabetes or high blood pressure, and in pregnancy it is checked as part of screening for preeclampsia. Fever and hard exercise can cause a brief, harmless rise.
For the nurse
Test urine as ordered and report positive results, especially in pregnant clients with high blood pressure.
At a glance
| Spanish | proteinuria |
|---|---|
| Also written | protein in the urine |
Related terms
chronic kidney disease
Kidney damage or reduced kidney function that lasts longer than three months.
hematuria
Blood in the urine, either seen by eye or found only by a test.
glomerular filtration rate
How much blood the kidneys filter each minute, used as the main measure of kidney function.
urine
The liquid waste made by the kidneys and stored in the bladder until it leaves the body.