[How I explore… a proteinuria].
The measurement of proteinuria is a very simple tool to screen and manage kidney diseases. Its predictive role is also relevant from a cardiovascular point of view. However, the interpretation of the results is not always easy. Indeed, there are several different methods to detect or measure proteinuria (or albuminuria), varying from the measurement on a 24-hour urine collection to the simplest detection with dipsticks or measurement on a random urine sample. Some methods are measuring total proteins, whereas others are measuring more specifically albuminuria. For all methods, pitfalls exist and will be discussed. A positive result must be confirmed by a quantitative measurement on 24-hour collection or on a first morning sample (this last one can only be interpreted as a ratio to urinary creatinine excretion). Lastly, we will briefly discuss the management of a patient with a new diagnosis of proteinuria (or albuminuria).