The Urine protein assay is a diagnostic tool used to assess kidney function, detect kidney damage and monitor various medical conditions that can affect the kidneys. Proteins are generally retained in the bloodstream and normally absent or in very small quantities in the urine.

Conditions such as glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephrosclerosis and polycystic kidney disease can lead to increased proteinuria. Early detection can lead to rapid intervention and better management of kidney disease.

In patients with established renal disease, urinary protein assays are used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

A decrease in urine protein levels may indicate that the treatment is working, while an increase in levels may indicate the need for more aggressive or alternative therapies.

Proteinuria is a key diagnostic criterion for pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious condition during pregnancy characterised by high blood pressure and damage to other organs, often the kidneys. Regular urine protein testing in pregnant women is essential for the early detection and management of pre-eclampsia to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Instead of collecting 24-hour urine, the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) is often used to estimate the amount of protein excreted in the urine. This ratio is a practical and reliable method of quantifying proteinuria and is particularly useful in outpatient settings.