title: Evaluation of a simple method for the screening of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients.
abstract: Microalbuminuria is an important predictor of the development of clinical nephropathy in diabetic patients. In this study we have evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of a rapid semi-quantitative method for the detection of microalbuminuria (Microbumintest tablets) in comparison with radio-immunoassay. When the cut-off point for albumin concentration was set at greater than or equal to 40 mg/l the sensitivity and specificity were 97.2% and 92.2%, respectively. Although the tablets are relatively expensive for screening purposes, we conclude that they represent a reliable and convenient screening method for microalbuminuria in diabetic patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: al-Kassab
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged