一种最新的床边诊断检测项目可检测微白蛋白尿，一种肾脏和心血管疾病的生物学标记，而且此新检测项目的准确性与传统的实验室方法一样。

研究学者发现，使用HemoCue（瑞典公司）Albumin 201系统与实验室传统的白蛋白-肌酐(ACR)检测在准确性上是一致的，并且至少在检测微白蛋白尿上具有灵敏性和特异性。这些结果结合HemoCue Albumin 201装置的操作简易性和高速处理性，都支持此系统进行微白蛋白尿床边检测。

HemoCue Albumin 201系统通过免疫比浊反应对尿液中的白蛋白水平进行定量。反应中所产生的浑浊是由于抗原和抗体相互反应的结果。从业者经过简单的训练就可对收集来的尿液样本进行操作。检测结果可直接读取。医生可根据检测结果对病人的治疗方案进行调整。

微白蛋白尿是由于白蛋白在尿液中的排泄增加造成的。这是内皮功能受损的标志，并且是糖尿病性肾病最早的生物指针。微白蛋白尿与心血管疾病和总死亡率高度相关。

HemoCue是Quest诊断公司的下属公司。


Point-of-Care Diagnostic Test Detects Microalbuminuria

A point-of-care diagnostic test can detect microalbuminuria, a biologic marker for kidney and cardiovascular disease, as accurately as conventional laboratory tests. 

Investigators found that quantitative test results using the HemoCue (Angelholm, Sweden) Albumin 201 system are as accurate as laboratory albumin-to-creatinine (ACR) estimations and are at least as sensitive and specific for microalbuminuria detection. These results, together with the simplicity of handling and processing speed of the HemoCue Albumin 201 device, support the value of this system for microalbuminuria detection at the point of care or in the laboratory. 

The HemoCue Albumin 201 system enables physicians to quantify albumin levels in urine using an immunoturbidimetric reaction, which creates a cloudy specimen due to a reaction between antigens and antibodies. Practitioners can perform the test with minimal training on a urine sample collected at their offices. The test can be easily interpreted, enabling the physician to provide immediate feedback to the patient and make treatment decisions at the point of care 
Microalbuminuria is a condition characterized by increased level of albumin excretion in urine. It is a well-recognized marker for endothelial dysfunction, and is well established as the first indication of diabetic nephropathy.

Microalbuminuria is also associated with higher risk for cardiovascular events and overall mortality, both in the general population and in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease. 

HemoCue is a Quest Diagnostics company.