[Evaluation of a new immunoturbidimetry technique for measuring microalbuminuria]

Subclinical elevation of urinary albumin excretion is a good predictor of later clinical proteinuria. A simple, sensitive and rapid immunoturbidimetric method was developed to quantify urinary albumin excretion (URIN-PAK ImmunoMICRO LAB, Miles Italia Spa). In the presence of polyethylene glycol 6000, immunocomplex between human albumin and its specific antibody are rapidly formed (5-50 min, at room temperature). Absorbance reading are mode U 340 nm (Automatic Analyzer RA 1000, Technicon). The test is specific for albumin failing to cross react with other plasma proteins present in urine, as well as with glibenclamide, chlorpropamide, phenformin, hemoglobin, glucose, urea and thymol. The present method correlates with SCLAVO H-ALBUMIN RIA Kit (r = 0.9917). The test is suitable for clinical use.