Quantitative Proteinuria Analysis Following Abnormal Result on a Urine Protein Dipstick

When a urinalysis shows proteinuria on the dipstick result, it should be followed by quantitative testing (e.g., urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio [ACR]). In a retrospective study of U.S. electronic health records from 2021, researchers assessed rates of follow-up after abnormal dipstick results (defined as ≥1+ protein). Records of patients with known albuminuria, those who had prior quantitative screening, and those with positive leukocyte esterase or nitrite were excluded.

Among 1 million patients who underwent dipstick urinalysis, urine protein was elevated in 13%. Among those with abnormal results, only 6.7% received subsequent quantitative testing. Positive dipstick results were followed by abnormal ACR results (≥30 mg/g) in 36% of thos…