UTI test 5V urine reagent strips can provide you a very quick and easy method for testing blood, nitrites, protein and leukocytes in urine and the pH levels in urine. The higher the positive results, the higher would be the possibility of a urinary tract infection. A positive result for protein indicated on the urine test strips also indicates a possibility of kidney involvement. One of the biggest advantages of using urine test strips is that all the indicators of UTI are covered by the test. This will minimize any confusion that may be caused due to false negatives or positives. These test strips are created for use mainly by the medical care professionals but they can be used also at home for self tests. The positive results must normally be followed with a visit to the doctor and lab cultures to get accurate diagnosis.

Test Limitations and Principles

Leukocytes

The urine test strips will reveal any presence of the granulocyte esterases. The leukocyte esterase results can be positive randomly in case of females because of the specimen contamination through vaginal discharge. High specific gravity and glucose concentrations can also cause low test results. Decreased reactivity may also be caused due to the tetracycline, cephalothin and cephalexin or because of the high levels of drug.

Nitrites

The urine test is specific to nitrates. Any level of pink color on the test should be considered to be positive. The positive nitrite results suggest that there is a presence of over 105 organisms in one ml of urine. However, the color development would not be proportional to amount of bacteria in the urine. Negative results do not indicate that there isn’t significant level of bacteria. There may be negative results when UTI is caused through organisms which do not have reductase for converting nitrate into nitrite or when the urine hasn’t been in the bladder for long enough. There can even be negative results when there is an absence of dietary nitrate.

Protein

The reagent part of the urine test strips is very sensitive to albumin. Elevated levels of Ph in the urine can impact the test. If the urine container has any residue of the disinfectant that contains quaternary ammonium or chlorhexidine, then there may be a false result.

pH

These urine test strips contain mixed indicator that assures a significant color change between pH5 and 8.5. In various cases, it may be required for you to repeat the test several times at an interval of three hours to determine pH levels present.

Blood

Myoglobin and haemoglobin catalyze oxidation of indicators through organic hydroperoxide in the urine test strip paper. The test sensitivity may decrease if the urine has high specific gravity. Reduced reactivity may also be caused due to lodine and captropril. Blood can also be found in urine for menstruating females. Various oxidizing contaminants like hypochlorite can produce false results.

Precautions

When using urine test strips, it is necessary to utilize clean containers for collection of urine. False readings for blood may result because of the residue of oxidizing elements in the container. Avoid adding any preservatives to the container. There can also be incorrect results if you shake the specimen container strip. Dip the strip for about two seconds. When the strip is dipped too long or too short, the results can be unpredictable.

Specimen Preparation and Collection

Collect the urine in clean containers and test at the earliest. Avoid centrifuge and urine preservatives. If the testing cannot be done within an hour, refrigerate the urine at the earliest. Let the refrigerated urine to come back to room temperature prior to testing.

The Process

• Remove the strip from the bottle and replace the cap tightly.
• Immerse the reagent areas completely in well mixed, fresh urine. Remove the strip for avoiding the dissolving the reagent areas.
• When removing, tap it against the container rim to shake out excessive urine. Blot the strip on an absorbent paper.
• Compare every reagent area to the corresponding color blocks that are shown on the chart and then read at specified times. The right reading time is very critical for the best results.
• Obtain the results by comparison to the color chart.

 

For optimal results, the performance of the reagent strips must be confirmed through comparison with the known positive and negative controls or specimens. The process is recommended after each use of every one of the strips. The results may be obtained through direct comparison of the charts that are printed on the label. This color chart will represent the nominal values. The actual values may vary slightly around nominal values. It is also very important to follow handling instructions with care. Improper storage can cause inaccurate performance of the urine test strips. Allow the specimen to return to the room temperature prior to use. Avoid use of blackened, discolored or deteriorated test strips for urine. Avoid contamination of the specimen through volatile chemicals. Avoid touching the reagent strips or test papers.

On principle, therapy or diagnosis must not be solely based on a single test result but must be established based on other findings as well. The knowledge of drug effects or metabolites effect on individual tests isn’t yet available. In any doubtful case, it is advisable that you repeat the test once you discontinue a specific drug. A significant amount of ascorbic acid may also produce false negatives or artificially low results for nitrites and blood.

For storing, it is best to store at temperatures of 2 to 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid storing in direct sunlight, heat or humidity. Store the strips only in its original bottle. Avoid removing desiccants or strips from the bottle unless it has to be immediately used for testing. Once removed, replace its cap immediately and close tightly. The unused strips which remain in the container must be used within a period of three months. Avoid using the strips once the expiry date provided on the label has passed.