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.

A century of development and practical field use has made them integral in detecting abnormal kidney output. They are used to measure the progress and scope of diabetes mellitus, an epidemic today due to current dietary preferences and inactive lifestyles. Other liver and blood indicators of disease are commonly revealed using this process, and detecting urinary tract infections has become quick and simple.

Most contain filter pads and layers held together without result-distorting glues. They are specifically engineered to avoid errors caused by excess physical exercise that sometimes leaves trace amounts of blood in the urine, as well as the presence of unusual amounts of ingested ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C. Special materials and non-reactive protections guarantee high accuracy.

Each pad specifically identifies a particular metabolic product. They can also detect the presence of blood, measure pH levels, and produce evidence of potentially harmful substances such as ketones, leukocytes, glucose, nitrites, and others chemicals. While these substances can also be measured using standard urine tests, strips offer advantages to patients, laboratory personnel, and physicians.

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.

This method is not only specific, simple to interpret, and easy to use, but is also cost-effective. The main purpose of these devices is not to specifically diagnose a particular disease, but rather to accurately detect metabolic indicators common to several ailments. Any positive reading must be followed by more specific examinations. When individual self-monitoring is necessary, patients appreciate their ease of use and ready availability.

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.

Because this type of test is widely available in pharmacies, there is the possibility that a specific reading that has not yet been medically interpreted may lead some patients to form inaccurate conclusions. If questions arise as a result of a personal test, the next step is to present those findings to a doctor. The ease of use, accuracy, and low cost of testing has helped many patients not only discover possible problems early, but to also find solutions.




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