Semi-quantitative measurement of myoglobinuria in trauma patients with a latex-agglutination test (Rapi-Tex®)

Abstract

A semi-quantitative test (Rapi-Tex®) for myoglobinuria was tested in trauma patients. All test results were evaluated blindly. Test specimens were obtained from 20 patients consecutively admitted with severe multiple trauma (Injury Severity Score: 29; range 26–41). The myoglobin concentration was measured semi-quantitatively by Rapi-Tex® of three independent observers and quantitatively by enzyme-immuno-assay (EIA). Undiluted as well as 1:2, 1:6, 1:11, and 1:22 diluted samples were used. Test readings were done after 3 min and 5 min, respectively. The Rapi-Tex® test classified the myoglobin concentrations correctly in 92.8% of the readings after 3 min and in 87.5% (mean, range: 85.5–91.6%) of the readings after 5 min. Conclusion: Rapi-Tex® enables immediate bedside diagnosis of myoglobinuria in trauma patients. The test should be performed on both undiluted and 1:6 diluted urine samples with test reading after 5 min.

Key Words:

• rhabdomyolysis
• myoglobin
• acute renal failure
• diagnostic test
• multiple trauma
• interobserver variation
• predictive value of tests
• latex fixation tests
• enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
• proteinuria