Home testing for urine proteins in children with nephrotic syndrome

This is a simple test that parents can do at home to check whether their child’s urine has proteins. A special chemically coated plastic strip is used to test for proteins. These are marketed by different companies and are available with many chemists. Each box contains 100 strips. A new strip has to be taken for each test.

How to do the test

  1. The child’s urine is collected in a clean cup or container
  2. One fresh dipstick is taken from the box and dipped into the urine in the container and kept for 60 seconds.
  3. The stick is removed from the urine after 60 seconds
  4. The stick is tapped against the edge of the container to remove excess urine.
  5. The colour change in the strip is matched with the colour blocks  for proteins shown on the outside of the box containing the strip
  6. BLUE colour indicates the presence of plenty of proteins
    YELLOW colour indicates NO proteins
    GREEN colour indicates a small amount of proteins
  7. Throw the used strip away in the garbage can
  8. Record your findings in the diary with the date of the test
  9. Visit your doctor if the colour has turned blue
  10. Remember to take the diary and show your doctor at your clinic visit