The presence of human serum albumin (HSA) in a urine sample is a standard indication of kidney disease. The actual concentration can provide a simple prognosis for patients with chronic diseases.

Now, a test based in a thin layer of liquid crystals on an HAS assay plate can, by simply counting how many light up, reveal the level of HSA present and so offer an instant diagnosis and even prognosis. The assay is sensitive down to 15 µg/mL, according to its developers in Singapore.

Kidney disease is common in patients with diabetes and hypertension who need regular tests.

• Using liquid crystals as a readout system in urinary albumin assays,
  Vera Joanne Aliño and Kun-Lin Yang,
  Analyst. 2011.
  DOI: 10.1039/C1AN15143F