Expert: Samantha, MLT (ASCP) - 10/30/2009

Question
What does it mean if protein is found in urine at 1+ range? Is this reason for alarm?

Answer
Hi Sue.  Protein the the urine is called proteinuria. A variety of diseases and conditions are associated with proteinuria:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Immune disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), IgA nephropathy, Goodpasture’s syndrome)
Infections
Exposure to toxins
Trauma
Kidney cancer
Preeclampsia
Multiple myeloma

Healthy people can have proteinuria. It is associated with stress, exercise, fever, aspirin therapy, and exposure to cold.  Were any other results of your urine test abnormal?  It would help to know this.  I would recommend that your doctor take into any symptoms (if any) that you're having and repeat the test.

Samantha