Urine reagent stick protein determination: Utility in individuals with diabetes mellitus

The study assessed the sensitivity and specificity of reagent stick urine analysis as a measure of albuminuria in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Using an automated method, reagent stick urine analysis for protein showed sensitivity and specificity both of 0.85 for detection of microalbuminuria (> 25μg/ml). Visual reading of reagent strip protein showed similar sensitivity, but specificity was less than 0.6. In conclusion, the standard urine analysis test may offer specificity and sensitivity comparable to that of available microalbumin strips.