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July 23
It sounds like your doctor noticed protein in your urine and ordered labs — and then referred you to a nephrologist (a kidney specialist) to dig deeper. That's actually a really important and proactive step!
Protein in the urine, called proteinuria, is one of the earliest signs that the kidneys may not be filtering properly Show Full Answer
It sounds like your doctor noticed protein in your urine and ordered labs — and then referred you to a nephrologist (a kidney specialist) to dig deeper. That's actually a really important and proactive step!
Protein in the urine, called proteinuria, is one of the earliest signs that the kidneys may not be filtering properly. The more the kidneys are damaged, the more protein can leak into urine. A nephrologist can run several tests to understand what's going on, including:
- Blood tests to check how well your kidneys are filtering waste
- Urine tests to measure protein and other markers
- A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) test, which compares albumin (a key protein) to creatinine levels — a high result can signal kidney issues
- Imaging tests like ultrasounds if needed
It's completely okay to ask your nephrologist to explain what your results mean in plain language. You're in good hands being referred to a specialist!
July 23
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