Rapid assessment of albumin concentration by immunoturbidimetry

The dye-binding methods involving bromcresol green and bromcresol purple may seriously overestimate albumin in serum that has a below-normal albumin/globulin ratio, particularly in nephrotic syndrome hypoalbuminemia. To overcome this problem, we developed a new immunoturbidimetric method for albumin with use of a centrifugal analyzer. Results by this method (y) and by radial immunodiffusion (x) agreed well and yielded the regression equation: y = 0.91x + 1.33 (n = 40, r = 0.96). Compared with laser immunonephelometry, our method is easier and faster (15 min for the overall determination). Thus, the proposed immunoturbidimetric method is particularly suitable for the rapid indirect assessment of oncotic pressure and indirectly for monitoring intravascular body fluids.