HomeAnswersNephrologyurinalysisMy urine dipstick test showed the presence of trace proteins. What does that indicate?

What does the presence of trace protein in a urine dipstick test indicate?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At December 27, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old male and my vitals as of this morning are as follows-

BP- 103/76 mmHg.

Pulse: 64 bpm.

Blood glucose: 91 mg/dl.

Weight: 220 pounds.

Height: 5 feet and 11 inches.

I have a history of health anxiety, which sometimes leads me to spiral about health concerns. I was hoping maybe you could take a look at my situation and perhaps offer some context or reassurance. Because of my health anxiety, and a family history of diabetes, I sometimes check my blood sugar or urine at home for any issues. I happened to do that today and noticed my dipstick test came up 'trace' for protein, it had bluish edges with a yellow middle then settled on a trace indicator when I checked first thing in the morning. My blood glucose was 91 mg/dl at the time. Over the past few months I have had several bloodwork or imaging studies:

Blood work - CMP with CBC (most recent attached).

Several urinalysis which all came back normal (most recent with results attached).

An MRI of the abdomen, including kidneys and adrenal glands.

EKG or echocardiogram (unrelated, due to heart palpitations).

The fact there was some trace protein in my urine has really scared me and exacerbated my anxiety. Do I have anything to worry about? Or any reason to have any additional testing? My primary care doctor says that is not necessary, but I am a little worried maybe I am missing something. After having a glass of water, and bringing my urine back to a pale yellow color, there was no protein on the dipstick. Is this fine? Any advice or reassurance would be greatly appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Yash Kathuria

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern regarding your family history and the trace protein in the urine. Trace amounts of protein may occur due to urinary tract infection, exercise, dehydration, kidney disease, etc. In your case, it is nothing but due to dehydration, because when you are dehydrated kidneys are not able to absorb protein and this causes minimal leakage in urine. So you have a family history, that does not matter if you are following a healthy lifestyle. Eat more amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Cut down on non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and smoking (if you already do) from your diet. These things increase the acidic load and may increase the chances of Diabetes and kidney disease. Exercise at least 30 min daily. Do yoga and meditation. So in conclusion, just relax, you are absolutely fine just eat healthy, sleep well, and keep your thoughts positive.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Yash Kathuria
Dr. Yash Kathuria

Family Physician

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