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Why Urinalysis Reagent Test Strips Have Become An Important Diagnostic Tool

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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.

After many decades of practical field use and ongoing research, they have become a key part of identifying abnormal kidney function. Strips can be helpful in tracking and controlling the progress of diabetes mellitus, now a worldwide epidemic due to dietary and lifestyle trends. The process can also reveal blood and liver indicators of problems, as well as detecting urinary tract infections quickly and simply.

They are manufactured without using test-altering glues to bind individual pads and layers together. They avoid results caused by heavy exercise, which can produce trace amounts of blood in the urine, or the presence of high levels of ascorbic acid, associated with Vitamin C. Special controls eliminate false readings, and additional non-reactive substances also keep information accurate.

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.

Due to widespread availability in most drugstores, there is an increased chance of that individuals may misinterpret the results, and mistakenly assume they have a serious illness. To avoid this emotionally stressful situation, it is important to see a doctor immediately if readings are unexpectedly positive. While discovering a medical problem early is helpful, finding long-lasting solutions to serious issues is the most important goal.




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