A direct rapid automated protein analyzer is disclosed. The protein analyzer includes means for reducing protein samples to small particles, a reaction vessel in material transfer communication with the homogenizer, a reservoir for binding dye composition in fluid communication with the reaction vessel, a metering pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and the reaction vessel for distributing discrete predetermined amounts of a binding dye composition to the reaction vessel, a filter in fluid communication with the reaction vessel for separating solids from filtrate after a dye binding reaction has taken place in the reaction vessel, and a calorimeter in fluid communication with the filter and the reaction vessel for measuring the absorbance of the filtrate from the reaction vessel and the filter. The rapid analyzer can be used in conjunction with a kit that includes a sample cup for mixing a protein sample with a dye-binding solution and a filter holder for being positioned in the sample cup. The filter holder includes a filter media and a depending spout below the filter media that reaches bottom portions of the cup when the filter media is positioned above the cup. The kit can also include dye concentrate solution.