Changes in the urine of an individual can be an indicator of health problems. Using urinalysis reagent test strips is a simple and effective way of detecting these changes. Doctors will usually use these products when patients present with symptoms like lower abdominal pain, back pain, stomach ache, or frequent and painful urination. A strip has chemical reagents that react when dipped in urine. The color results are then compared with a color chart, indicating levels of various substances in the urine.
These products are used for routine examinations by most healthcare professionals. They are also used to monitor treatment and make adjustments if necessary. Some patients also use them to monitor themselves. The availability of such products and ease of use means that they are now being used by individuals concerned with general preventative medicine.
Sometimes the problems detected are simple ones that are easy to treat, such as urinary tract infections. Other markers may indicate a more serious problem. Various diseases such as those of the liver and kidney can be picked up in this way. If the initial indicators are serious, they need to be followed up with other tests before a diagnosis is made.
A single vial may contain as many as one hundred strips and different products are available for performing different tests. Some can indicate the level of as many as ten different things such as ketones, proteins, glucose, haemoglobin, leucocytes, nitrites, bilirubin and acetone. Others are more specifically targeted, such as those that indicate only leucocytes and nitrites.
These products are often a low cost, effective way of detecting potential health problems that can be addressed. When bacteria is present in urine, this shows the presence of nitrites. In pregnancy, if glucose or protein shows up, this can be an indicator of high blood sugar or high blood pressure. Ketones often show up in the urine of dieters, particularly those on low carbohydrate diets.
A fresh, urine sample taken first thing in the morning is used. It is collected in a dry, clean container. When removing the cap from the vial, the cap should be replaced as quickly as possible to minimize light and air exposure. The strip is immersed in the sample. When it is removed, excess urine is removed by running the strip against the container rim to prevent results from being affected by reagents leaking into one another.
A test like this is usually very quick to perform. Most results develop in one to two minutes, although there are certain products where results take longer to show. The colors shown on the strip are then measured against those found on the color chart included with the product. A range of concentration levels reveals whether a result is normal or abnormal.
Use of a strip is intended as an initial indicator of an elevated marker and is not intended to be used to make any conclusive diagnosis of disease. Using such a product can be an intelligent first step in evaluation of overall health. However, if certain markers are detected, further testing and consultation with a healthcare professional is essential.
These products are used for routine examinations by most healthcare professionals. They are also used to monitor treatment and make adjustments if necessary. Some patients also use them to monitor themselves. The availability of such products and ease of use means that they are now being used by individuals concerned with general preventative medicine.
Sometimes the problems detected are simple ones that are easy to treat, such as urinary tract infections. Other markers may indicate a more serious problem. Various diseases such as those of the liver and kidney can be picked up in this way. If the initial indicators are serious, they need to be followed up with other tests before a diagnosis is made.
A single vial may contain as many as one hundred strips and different products are available for performing different tests. Some can indicate the level of as many as ten different things such as ketones, proteins, glucose, haemoglobin, leucocytes, nitrites, bilirubin and acetone. Others are more specifically targeted, such as those that indicate only leucocytes and nitrites.
These products are often a low cost, effective way of detecting potential health problems that can be addressed. When bacteria is present in urine, this shows the presence of nitrites. In pregnancy, if glucose or protein shows up, this can be an indicator of high blood sugar or high blood pressure. Ketones often show up in the urine of dieters, particularly those on low carbohydrate diets.
A fresh, urine sample taken first thing in the morning is used. It is collected in a dry, clean container. When removing the cap from the vial, the cap should be replaced as quickly as possible to minimize light and air exposure. The strip is immersed in the sample. When it is removed, excess urine is removed by running the strip against the container rim to prevent results from being affected by reagents leaking into one another.
A test like this is usually very quick to perform. Most results develop in one to two minutes, although there are certain products where results take longer to show. The colors shown on the strip are then measured against those found on the color chart included with the product. A range of concentration levels reveals whether a result is normal or abnormal.
Use of a strip is intended as an initial indicator of an elevated marker and is not intended to be used to make any conclusive diagnosis of disease. Using such a product can be an intelligent first step in evaluation of overall health. However, if certain markers are detected, further testing and consultation with a healthcare professional is essential.
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