Urinary dipstick proteinuria testing: does automated strip analysis offer an advantage over visual testing?

Objective: To compare the diagnostic test properties of automated and visually read urine dipstick screening for detection of a random protein:creatinine ratio (PrCr) ≥ 30 mg/mmol.

Methods: Urine samples were collected prospectively from 160 women attending high-risk maternity clinics at a tertiary care facility. Samples were divided into two aliquots; one aliquot was tested using two different urine test strips, one read visually and one by an automated reader.

Unexpected random urinary protein:creatinine ratio results-limitations of the pyrocatechol violet-dye method.

Background: For clinicians, it is important to rely on accurate laboratory results for patient care and optimal use of health care resources. We sought to explore our observations that urine protein:creatinine ratios (PrCr) ≥30 mg/mmol are seen not infrequently associated with normal pregnancy outcome.

Methods: Urine samples were collected prospectively from 160 pregnant women attending high-risk maternity clinics at a tertiary care facility.

Random urine albumin:creatinine ratio in high-risk pregnancy - Is it clinically useful?

We evaluated the frequency of measurable albuminuria (⩾6.00mg/L) for albumin:creatinine ratios (ACr) among 160 consecutive women attending high-risk clinics. Of last urine samples before delivery, 76 had measurable albuminuria and 41/76 (53.

Second-trimester maternal serum screening for Down syndrome in in vitro fertilization pregnancies.

Objectives: To examine whether second-trimester maternal serum triple marker screening results differ between in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies and naturally conceived pregnancies.

Methods: Second-trimester maternal serum triple marker screening results from 88 IVF pregnancies were compared with 596 naturally conceived pregnancies (controls). Controls were matched to each IVF pregnancy by maternal age, gestational age and date of blood collection.