RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of the Bayer microalbumin/creatinine urine reagent strip compared to established laboratory methods. METHODS: Random urine specimens from low and high risk pregnancy clinics as well as a random cohort from the community were analyzed for microalbumin and creatinine using both the reagent strip and the Roche Integra 700, according to manufacturers' specifications. Sensitivity and specificity were then calculated. RESULTS: For the pregnant cohorts the sensitivities ranged from 19% to 59%, and the range of specificities was 45.4% to 84.2%. Using the microalbumin/creatinine data from the community, the sensitivity and specificity of the strip were 52.4% and 97.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The poor sensitivity of the microalbumin/creatinine urine reagent strip to detect significant microalbuminuria will likely limit its usefulness as a screening tool.