Urinalysis Reagent Test Strips Provide Medical Information Quickly And Accurately

By Stacey Burt


Although they may seem like another technological wonder of the digital age, the small sticks or ribbons made of paper or plastic used to reveal abnormal changes in body chemistry originated over one hundred years ago. As early as the 1880s pharmacists and medical personnel began searching for new analytic methods superior to the cumbersome processes available at the time. The earliest types of urinalysis reagent test strips appeared in 1883, and revolutionized testing and diagnostics.

Over one hundred years later, they are integral in assessing abnormal kidney output. Reagents are especially helpful for people suffering from diabetes mellitus, which has become epidemic worldwide due to unhealthy trends in physical activity and diet. The presence of disease indicators in the blood and liver can revealed by them, as well as rapid detection of chemical markers common to urinary tract infections.

Individual units contain layers and filter pads free from chemical glues that may alter results. While excess exercise or consumption of large amounts of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, just prior to a test may distort the readings, reagent ribbons are specifically designed to avoid that problem. Special materials help prevent false information, and other non-reactive protections help ensure accuracy.

Individual pads change color when specific chemical products are present. They not only detect blood, but can also determine pH levels. They display evidence of potential disease indicators such as glucose levels, nitrites, leukocytes, ketones, and others. Although these substances can be detected using more traditional methods, small strips provide obvious advantages to technicians, doctors, and patients.

Accurate results can be read in 60 seconds, appearing as specific changes in color bands. Individual strips are purposely designed for upside-down reading, a feature appreciated by lab technicians dealing with multiple specimens. Specific colors represent individual chemicals, and can be easily compared side-by-side with change-resistant control colors printed on the packaging. Developing hues appear rapidly and evenly.

Not only is this screening method simple, easy, and specific, but it is also comparatively inexpensive. The primary goal is not to actually name a specific ailment, but to detect the individual metabolic indicators common to many conditions. Urine tests must followed by specific examinations for fuller confirmation. In cases where personal individual monitoring is required, patients find them easy to use, and helpful in preventing emergencies.

Under the direction of a doctor, high-risk patients with diabetes can self-monitor levels of ketones and glucose, both indicators of metabolic changes. Those who suffer from hypertension and possible kidney damage use reagents to check daily function. Recurring urinary tract infections can also be self-detected early, and preventive use has become a widespread phenomenon.

Although test kits are sold in most pharmacies, there is the potential danger that specific results can be misinterpreted by patients, causing some to assume they have a condition or diseases that is not actually present, and sometimes leading to unnecessary emotional stress. If a test produces questionable results, the next step is to see a physician who will be able to present a more complete diagnosis.




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