A new protein titrator tape for self-assessment by outpatients with proteinuria

• Published in: Nihon Jinzo Gakkai shi Vol. 37; no. 9; pp. 511 - 517
• Main Authors: TAKESHITA, Yasuyo, TOCHIKUBO, Osamu, KIMURA, Toshihiro, KOSAKA, Yuzo, YASUDA, Gen, KONNO, Minoru, ISHII, Masao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Japanese Society of Nephrology 01.09.1995
• Subjects: Adult; Ambulatory Care; dipstick; proteinuria; tetrabromphenol blue; protein titrator tape; proportional sampling method; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Monitoring, Physiologic - methods; Proteinuria - urine; Self Care - methods
• ISSN: 0385-2385; 1884-0728
• DOI: 10.14842/jpnjnephrol1959.37.511

we have invented a new dipstick (protein titrator tape) for measuring the volume of protein excreted in the 24-hour urine. The principle of the method is based on the protein error of indicators with the modification of a conventional dipstick test. The dipstick consists of two thick filter papers, containing differently adjusted pH indicators of tetrabromphenol blue, making it possible to detect a wide range of protein concentrations in the urine using a standard color chart that includes twenty color blocks. Two hundred and ninety outpatients had their urine samples assessed with this method as well as with the pyrogallol red test as a comparative study for quantitative measurement of protein concentrations. The new-type dipstick method exhibited good correlation with the results of the pyrogallol red test, especially in the range of protein concentrations from 50 mg/dl to 400 mg/dl, showing the linear equation of “y (pyrogallol red) =10.5 + 0.99× (Dipstick) (r = 0.9 P<0.01) ”. Although there was good correlation with the pyrogallol red test at higher concentrations from 400 mg/dl to 1, 000 mg/dl, the dipstick method tended to exhibit lower concentrations than those indi cated by the counterpart method. The rate of consistency between observers was quite high. This new-type dipstick method will offer a reliable method for patients or their family to assess their protein excretion in the urine every 24 hours at home using a portable urine sampling device.