Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corp. has partnered with Kamiya Biomedical Company (Kamiya) to obtain CLIA(1) moderate complexity categorization for K-ASSAY Microalbumin reagent for use on the Medica EasyRA benchtop clinical chemistry analyzer. Carolina Liquid Chemistries distributes the EasyRA in the U.S. as well as a broad menu of chemistry reagents.

The K-ASSAY Microalbumin reagent is intended for the quantitative determination of human albumin in urine by immunoturbidimetric assay. Measurement of albumin in urine aids in the diagnosis of kidney dysfunction, according to the company. A small amount of protein is excreted daily into the urine of healthy individuals, making albumin excretion into the urine a useful indicator of early glomerular disease.

Microalbuminuria is a condition characterized by increased urinary excretion of albumin in the absence of overt nephropathy.(2,3) Microalbuminuria has been shown to be the earliest stage of diabetic nephropathy in type I diabetes and a marker for development of nephropathy in type II diabetes. Early detection of microalbuminuria may be beneficial in diabetes treatment programs because early detection and management has been shown to reduce the risk and slow progression of end-stage renal disease.(4) Albumin in urine has been measured by a variety of methods. The K-ASSAY Microalbumin assay uses an immunoturbidimetric format which provides the necessary sensitivity required for accurate determination of urinary microalbumin.

Further reading: Diazyme Labs Partners with Carolina Liquid Chemistries to Expand Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Test Menu

“Because of its compact size, ease-of-use, and high speed, the EasyRA is an excellent analyzer for clinical laboratories in small to mid-sized practices, or as a backup analyzer in larger operations,” says Phillip Shugart, CEO of Carolina Liquid Chemistries.

Carolina Liquid Chemistries offers 35 general chemistry assays as well as fourteen screens for drugs of abuse in urine on the EasyRA.

References:

  1. Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988.
  2. Morgensen, C.E. and Christensen, C.K., N. Engl. J. Med. 311: 89-93 (1984).
  3. Viberti, G.C., et al., Lancet. 1430-1432 (1982).
  4. American Diabetes Association, “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2008”, Diabetes Care 2008 31[Suppl 1]:S29-S30.

Photo: The EasyRA Benchtop Chemistry Analyzer