A comparison between two screening methods for detection of microproteinuria

A urine test tablet may detect small amounts of protein in the urine better than a commonly used urine dipstick test. Researchers obtained urine samples from 401 pregnant women and compared the sensitivity of the Micro-bumintest to that of Ames Multistix 10SG in their ability to detect small amounts of urinary protein. The Micro-bumintest was much better at detecting protein in the urine without false positive or false negative results than was the Multistix 10SG test. The Micro-bumintest could detect small and large amounts of protein in the urine samples. Even small amounts of protein found in the urine of a pregnant woman may predict the development of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine.