Office evaluation of the patient with proteinuria

Proteinuria is a laboratory finding that can have a wide range of clinical meanings, so a knowledgeable diagnostic approach is extremely important. The condition is transient in some patients, and they should be spared the negative psychological and financial impact that aggressive evaluation can cause. Alternatively, proteinuria can be the first sign of meaningful renal disease, and early assessment can help prevent renal failure. The ability to decide who needs further testing is an important skill.