Table 1:
Detection Methods for Proteinuria
Method
Dipstick
Dipstick Sulfosalicylic Acid
Method of detection
Colorimetric
Acid precipitation
Proteins detected
Mostly albumin
All proteins
Lower limit of protein detection
30 mg/dL
1-10 mg/dL
Indicator
Color change
Turbidity
Interpretation
Negative
0 = no turbidity ( 0 mg/dL)
  
Trace = < 30 mg/dL
Trace = slight turbidity
(1-10 mg/dL)
  
1+ = 30 mg/dL
1+ = turbidity through which print can be read (15-30 mg/dL)
  
2+ = 100 mg/dL
2+ = white cloud without precipitate through which heavy black lines on white background can be seen
  
3+ = 300 mg/dL
3+ = white cloud with fine precipitate through which heavy black lines cannot be seen (150-300 mg/dL)
  
4+ = 2000 mg/dL
4+ = flocculent precipitate
(> 500 mg/dL)
  
Copyright 2002 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

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