Use of urine albumin measurement as a replacement for total protein.

We have investigated the replacement of urine total protein estimations for the assessment of glomerular permeability, by the measurement of urine albumin excretion using a latex particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. An initial screen was performed using Albustix to assess the sample pre-dilution necessary for immunoanalysis. A total of 167 24-hour urine samples were analysed and urine albumin concentration correlated well with that of urine total protein (r = 0.93) over the range 0-16,800 mg/l. This protocol provides a more cost effective and analytically valid assessment of glomerular permeability.