Clinical use
Retinol Binding Protein testing is used by clinicians to assess renal tubular injury or dysfunction and screening for other tubular abnormalities. The test can also be used to detect chronic asymptomatic renal tubular dysfunction.
Background
Retinol-binding protein is a low-molecular-weight protein of 21 kDa that transports retinol (vitamin A alcohol) from the liver to peripheral tissues. Retinol-binding protein is most often found bound to transthyretin, but a small, unbound fraction (<10%) passes freely through glomerular membranes and is reabsorbed by renal proximal tubules cells where it is catabolised. Due to extensive tubular reabsorption, under normal conditions very little of the filtered retinol-binding protein appears in the final excreted urine. Therefore, an increase in the urinary excretion of retinol-binding protein indicates proximal tubule injury and/or impaired proximal tubular function. Measurement of retinol-binding protein in urine is, therefore, a useful aid in the monitoring and/or diagnosis of kidney disease.
Elevated excretion rates can indicate tubular damage associated with renal tubulointerstitial nephritis or tubular toxicity from heavy metal or nephrotoxic drug exposure. Glomerulonephropathies and renal vasculopathies also are often associated with coexisting tubular injury and so may result in elevated retinol-binding protein excretion.
Patient preparation
None required
Specimen requirements
Urine – Collected into a plain universal
Turnaround time
4 weeks
Referred test
Referred test
Location
Immunology Department and Protein Reference Unit