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

UNLABELLED: 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.