Elevated levels of secretory phospholipase A.sub.2 (sPLA.sub.2) are associated with a variety of inflammatory conditions, e.g., multiple sclerosis, arteriosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and sickle cell. ELISA-based assays have been developed for detecting and measuring sPLA.sub.2 levels in biological fluids, but these methods are too time-consuming for practical clinical diagnostic use. Disclosed herein in certain embodiments are methods for rapid detection and measurement of sPLA.sub.2 levels (e.g., sPLA.sub.2 type IIA) in a biological fluid generally, and methods for detection and measurement of sPLA.sub.2 levels in urine.