Saturday, December 27, 2014

Urinalysis Reagent Test Strips Are A Fast And Accurate Solution

By Stacey Burt


Even though many people assume that they are another product of the digital age, the small ribbons or flat sticks made of special plastics and paper that are used medically to measure changes in body chemistry are actually more than a century old. Doctors were looking for better alternatives to existing but cumbersome tests as early as the 1880s. The ancestors of current urinalysis reagent test strips became available in 1883, sparking a revolution that has not yet ended.

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.

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.

Each pad is designed to identify a specific chemical by changing to a different color after exposure. They can determine if blood is present, and accurately measure pH balance. They are able to detect leukocytes, glucose, ketones, nitrites, and other products of metabolism. Although these can be also measured using other methods, strips are preferred by laboratory workers, doctors, and especially patients.

They produce highly accurate results within one minute, in the form of specific color displays. Strips are designed for use upside down in order to prevent hand contact, a feature especially useful for technicians. Specific colors representing individual chemicals can be easily compared to the fade-resistant tones printed on the packaging vials. Color development is uniform and even.

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.

Patients at high risk for diabetes complications can track their own levels of glucose and ketones, both of which indicate internal changes. People currently attempting to avoid kidney damage resulting from hypertension use them to monitor daily progress. Common, recurring urinary tract infections can be detected without a trip to the doctor, and self-testing is becoming an increasingly popular choice.

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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