A new semiquantitative rapid test for screening for microalbuminuria

Microalbuminuria is a predictor for later development of clinical nephropathy in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and therefore important to screen for.

In this study, a new semiquantitative test‐strip (Micral‐Test®) method was compared with the results measured with a quantitative laboratory method in urine samples from 117 diabetic patients attending an out‐patient ward. When 20mg/I was chosen as the cut‐off point for pathological albumin concentration as determined by the laboratory method, pathological urinary concentrations were recorded by Micral‐Test® with a sensitivity of 87.8% and specificity of 97.4%. At higher readings, the comparison method tended to show higher values.

It is concluded that the semiquantitative method tested can be used for screening for the presence of microalbuminuria. When microalbuminuria occurs, a quantitative method is recommended.