Protein dipstick grading Designation Approx. amount Concentration Daily Trace 5–20 mg/dL 1+ 30 mg/dL Less than 0.5 g/day 2+ 100 mg/dL 0.5–1 g/day 3+ 300 mg/dL 1–2 g/day 4+ More than 1000 mg/dL More than 2 g/day Conventionally,<unk>  is diagnosed by a simple dipstick test, although it is possible for the test to give a false negative reading, even with nephrotic range<unk>  if the urine is dilute. False negatives may also occur if the protein in the urine is composed mainly of globulins or Bence Jones proteins because the reagent on the test strips, bromophenol blue, is highly specific for albumin. Traditionally, dipstick protein tests would be quantified by measuring the total quantity of protein in a 24-hour urine collection test, and abnormal globulins by specific requests for protein electrophoresis. Trace results may be produced in response to excretion of Tamm–Horsfall mucoprotein. More recently developed technology detects human serum albumin (HSA) through the use of liquid crystals (LCs). The presence of HSA molecules disrupts the LCs supported on the AHSA-decorated slides thereby producing bright optical signals which are easily distinguishable. Using this assay, concentrations of HSA as low as 15 µg/mL can be detected. Alternatively, the concentration of protein in the urine may be compared to the creatinine level in a spot urine sample. This is termed the protein/creatinine ratio. The 2005 UK Chronic Kidney Disease guidelines state that protein/creatinine ratio is a better test than 24-hour urinary protein measurement.<unk>  is defined as a protein/creatinine ratio greater than 45 mg/mmol (which is equivalent to albumin/creatinine ratio of greater than 30 mg/mmol or approximately 300 mg/g) with very high levels of<unk>  having a ratio greater than 100 mg/mmol. Protein dipstick measurements should not be confused with the amount of protein detected on a test for microalbuminuria which denotes values for protein for urine in mg/day versus urine protein dipstick values which denote values for protein in mg/dL. That is, there is a basal level of<unk>  that can occur below 30 mg/day which is considered non-pathology. Values between 30 and 300 mg/day are termed microalbuminuria which is considered pathologic. Urine protein lab values for microalbumin of >30 mg/day correspond to a detection level within the "trace" to "1+" range of a urine dipstick protein assay. Therefore, positive indication of any protein detected on a urine dipstick assay obviates any need to perform a urine microalbumin test as the upper limit for microalbuminuria has already been exceeded. Analysis It is possible to analyze urine samples in determining albumin, hemoglobin and myoglobin with an optimized MEKC method.
Proteinuria
Crystalluria
Beeturia
Pyuria
Anuria
Bacteriuria
Albuminuria
Polyuria