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Protein in urine (proteinuria)
Healthy kidneys barely let protein through the filter. Its appearance is a signal to check the kidneys and blood pressure.
Other names: PRO, Protein, proteinuriaSection: UrinalysisSpecialist: Primary care physician, nephrologist; in pregnancy — an obstetrician-gynecologistSample: UrinePart of: Urinalysis
Updated: September 17, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortNormal urinary protein is a trace up to 0.033–0.14 g/L, or up to 150 mg in 24-hour urine. A brief rise happens after exercise, stress and fever. Persistent protein in urine is a sign of kidney disease and requires checking the kidneys, blood pressure and glucose.
What this marker is
Healthy kidneys let only trace amounts of protein into urine — the glomerular filter keeps molecules in the blood. When the filter is damaged or overloaded, urinary protein rises; this is called proteinuria.
There is physiological (temporary) proteinuria — after exercise, stress, fever, and orthostatic proteinuria in teenagers (present during the day, absent in the morning) — and pathological proteinuria in kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension. Only repeated tests tell them apart.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Adults
trace — up to 0.033–0.14 g/L
24-hour urine
up to 150 mg/day
Children
trace; teenagers may have orthostatic proteinuria — check a morning sample
Pregnancy
up to 0.3 g/day; above that with blood pressure ≥ 140/90 — rule out preeclampsia
Moderate proteinuria
0.3–1.0 g/day
Marked (nephrotic)
above 3.0–3.5 g/day
One-off “trace protein” is the most common finding after exercise, stress and fever; what matters is persistent proteinuria on repeat tests. For accuracy the doctor orders 24-hour urine or a protein/creatinine ratio in a spot sample. Ranges differ between laboratories.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
An approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Ranges differ between laboratories — use the one on your report; a doctor interprets the result.
Units and conversion
Measured in: g/L
g/L=mg/dL
mg/dL = g/L × 100
When it is high or appears: possible causes
Physiological causesHard exercise, stress, cold exposure, fever — protein clears within 1–2 days.
GlomerulonephritisInflammation of the kidney filter — protein often with red blood cells and edema.
Diabetic nephropathyKidney damage in diabetes: first microalbuminuria, then rising protein.
HypertensionLong-standing high pressure damages kidney vessels.
Urinary tract infectionsCystitis and pyelonephritis give moderate protein with leukocytes and bacteria.
Preeclampsia in pregnancyProtein plus rising pressure after week 20 is an emergency.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the result without any disease — keep them in mind before a retest:
Hard exercise the day beforeFever above 38 °CStress and cold exposureDischarge contamination from poor collection
How to prepare
A midstream sample of the first morning urine after cleaning the genital area, in a clean container, delivered to the lab within 1–2 hours. Details: Preparation: urine.
When a retest makes sense
A doubtful result is retested in 1–2 weeks with careful preparation. During treatment of a urinary tract infection, a follow-up is done 1–2 weeks after the course, as prescribed by the doctor.
Who usually reviews this result
An out-of-range result is usually reviewed by: Primary care physician, nephrologist; in pregnancy — an obstetrician-gynecologist. Bring your report and any previous results to the visit.
Names used on lab reports
Look for one of these names on your report: Protein in urinePROProteinProteinuria
Several markers on your report?
The app reads your whole report — this marker together with its neighbors, not one by one.
Not necessarily. Traces (up to 0.033–0.14 g/L) fit the normal range and often follow exercise, stress or collection errors. What matters is the repeat result: persistent protein is a reason to check kidneys, pressure and glucose.
Which protein level is considered high?
In a spot sample, above 0.14–0.3 g/L is concerning; in 24-hour urine, above 150 mg. Over 3 g/day is marked proteinuria typical of nephrotic syndrome and needs a nephrologist.
Protein in urine during pregnancy — what to do?
Up to 0.3 g/day is acceptable. Above that, with blood pressure from 140/90 after week 20, it is a sign of preeclampsia — see an obstetrician-gynecologist urgently.
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