Urine
Urine Protein Electrophoresis
Also known as: UPEP, Urine Protein EP
About Urine Protein Electrophoresis
A urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) test measures the amounts of certain proteins in your urine. Proteins like albumin and various globulins each have different jobs in your body, and your urine normally contains only very small amounts of them.
The test works by placing a urine sample on a special paper or gel and applying an electric current. The different proteins move at different speeds and form visible bands. By comparing those bands, the lab can tell how much of each type of protein is in your urine.
UPEP is often ordered when a routine urine test shows protein in your urine, or when your provider wants to look at the pattern of proteins your kidneys are letting through.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Useful for
Help find out why there is protein in your urine.
Help screen for kidney problems, including damage from diabetes or other long-term conditions.
Help look for plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma, where abnormal proteins may appear in the urine.
Help evaluate conditions like nephrotic syndrome, where the kidneys leak large amounts of protein.
Sometimes used together with a blood protein electrophoresis test to give your provider a fuller picture.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Interpretation
Normal results usually show only very small amounts of protein in your urine, with no unusual bands of globulins.
Higher than normal levels of certain proteins, or unusual bands, may be a sign of kidney disease, diabetes-related kidney damage, multiple myeloma, nephrotic syndrome, a urinary tract infection, inflammation, or amyloidosis.
An abnormal result on its own does not diagnose a specific condition. Your provider will look at your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to understand what your UPEP results mean for you.
For general wellness information only. Talk to a clinician about your specific results.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
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Related biomarkers
More tests in the urine category.
Sources
Last updated 2026-05-02
This page presents source-specific reference data and sourced explanations. For general wellness information only. This is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any condition, talk to a qualified clinician.