A low level of urine albumin in the range 20 -200mg/L is a sensitive, widely accepted marker for early identification of diabetes patients who are at a high risk of developing progressive renal dysfunction. International guidelines currently recommend that both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients are screened for Microalbuminuria on an annual basis. The HemoCue Urine Albumin System offers the precision and accuracy of a laboratory method at the point of care. Add the hallmarks of HemoCue technology - ease of operation and immediate results and ensure convenience for the Diabetic Specialist and the patient.

The quantitative determination of urine albumin

The HemoCue Urine Albumin system can be used for the quantitative determination of urine albumin. The system can be used for the purposes of screening for, monitoring and supporting the clinical evidence in the diagnosis and treatment of microalbuminuria.

Microalbuminuria is a powerful predictor for the future development of diabetic nephropathy, but is also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease among patients without diabetes or hypertension. Early detection of microalbuminuria will delay or prevent further deterioration through adequate treatment.

Easy to use, rapid results

The new analyser incorporates the same microcuvette concept as our existing analytical systems for haemoglobin and glucose. The HemoCue Urine Albumin system is based on an immunochemical principle where the turbidity, once formed, is measured photometrically. The cuvette contains freeze-dried reagents with anti-human antibodies. The sample is drawn into the cavity by capillary action. The cuvette is placed into the analyser and the result is displayed within just 90 seconds.

With the HemoCue Urine Albumin system, you obtain a precise, accurate result, reliably and conveniently.

Swedish manufacturer with an established world-wide reputation for quality

Factory calibrated analysers and cuvettes without batch-to-batch variation make fast, simple and point-of-care analysis of urine albumin possible. The manufacturing takes place in Sweden, where all aspects of calibration and product integrity are subject to the most rigorous quality assurance procedures.

 

Specification

The Method

HemoCue Urine Albumin is a system for the quantitative determination of albumin in urine. The system consists of a specially designed analyser and specially designed microcuvettes with reagent in dried form. The sample is drawn into the cuvette by capillary action. The cuvette is placed in the HemoCue Urine Albumin analyser where the content of the cuvette is mixed through vibration. The immunochemical reaction is completed within 90 seconds and the turbidity is measured photometrically at 610 nm. The instrument is factory calibrated against a turbidimetric method using CRM 470 (Certified Reference Material).

Specimen collection

15 µL urine. Samples from overnight urine collection, 24 hour collections without additives, or spot urines can be used. Morning urine after rest is recommended since muscle activity can influence the excretion of albumin in urine. Random samples during the day may be used, but higher results can be expected. For an albumin excretion rate the analysis can be performed on urine collected overnight. The urine collected before sleep should be discarded and the time noted. All the urine from this point until morning is collected. Note the time for the last collected portion. Measure the total volume.

Results

The result is read directly from the HemoCue Urine Albumin analyser in mg/L.

Measurement range

10 -150 mg/L. To obtain results within the measuring range samples up to 2000 mg/L can be diluted with isotonic sodium chloride. The result shown in the display must be multiplied by the dilution factor. Note that dilution might affect the precision of the measurement.

Quality control

The HemoCue Urine Albumin analyser has an automatic electronic self-test that will verify the performance of the optronic unit of the analyser. The system can be verified on the days of testing according to local guidelines by measuring a commercially available urine albumin control. Urine Albumin control, AlbuTrol is available in low and high levels.