Dipstick urinanalysis (detection of protein)

Chemical stix can detect urinary protein at a concentration above 200 mg/L.

The stix react specifically with albumin and do not detect Bence-Jones proteins (indicative of paraproteinuria e.g. multiple myeloma).

The following should also be noted:

• a positive test should be followed by measurement of 24 hour urinary protein excretion
• the normal range for urinary protein is 60-200 mg per day although adolescent males, especially those who play regular contact sports, may excrete up to 300 mg per day
• a false negative can be caused by urine which is very acid, or which is very dilute
• a false positive can be caused by haematuria
• 40% of urinary protein is Tamm-Horsfall protein

Reference

1. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. KDIGO 2024 clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease. Apr 2024 [internet publication