- Urine protein: creatinine ratio urine protein creatinine (UPC) of =< 1 OR less than or equal to 2+ proteinuria on two consecutive dipsticks taken no less than 1 week apart; UPC is the preferred test; patients with 2+ proteinuria on dipstick must also have a 24-hour urine collection demonstrating protein of =< 500 mg over 24 hours