


There are strips which serve different purposes, such as qualitative strips that only determine if the sample is positive or negative, or there are semi-quantitative ones that in addition to providing a positive or negative reaction also provide an estimation of a quantitative result, in the latter the colour reactions are approximately proportional to the concentration of the substance being tested for in the sample. pH measurement), while the strips with pads allow several determinations simultaneously. Paper strips are often specific to a single reaction (e.g. For the paper strips the reactants are absorbed directly onto the paper. The test strips consist of a ribbon made of plastic or paper of about 5 millimetre wide, plastic strips have pads impregnated with chemicals that react with the compounds present in urine producing a characteristic colour. The analysis includes testing for the presence of proteins, glucose, ketones, haemoglobin, bilirubin, urobilinogen, acetone, nitrite and leucocytes as well as testing of pH and specific gravity or to test for infection by different pathogens. Routine testing of the urine with multiparameter strips is the first step in the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases. The test can often be read in as little as 60 to 120 seconds after dipping, although certain tests require longer. Urine test stripĪ standard urine test strip may comprise up to 10 different chemical pads or reagents which react (change color) when immersed in, and then removed from, a urine sample. The Multistix urine test strip showing the manufacturer’s coloured scale.Ī urine test strip or dipstick is a basic diagnostic tool used to determine pathological changes in a patient's urine in standard urinalysis.
