Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Function and Applications
3. Composition and Structure
4. Specific Parameters and Numerical Analysis
5. Company Solutions
6. References

Introduction

Laboratory reagent strips, commonly referred to as dipsticks, are integral tools in medical diagnostics. These strips are used to perform rapid analyses, often within minutes, allowing for immediate responses in clinical settings. They provide a convenient and efficient method for testing various analytes in bodily fluids such as urine and blood.

Function and Applications

The main function of laboratory reagent strips is to provide qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of specific substrates in a sample. The applications vary from testing for glucose, ketones, and pH levels in urine, to detecting occult blood in feces.

Their usage spans several medical fields including nephrology, urology, and endocrinology, making them indispensable in routine check-ups and monitoring of chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Composition and Structure

Each reagent strip is typically composed of a plastic or chemically inert paper base, onto which reagent zones are affixed. These zones contain specific chemicals that react with the analyte of interest, resulting in a color change. This change is then compared to a standardized color chart for analysis.

For instance, glucose reagent zones contain glucose oxidase, peroxidase, and a chromogen. A color change in the presence of glucose indicates a positive result.

Specific Parameters and Numerical Analysis

The precision and accuracy of reagent strips are defined by their sensitivity, specificity, and detection limits.

• Sensitivity typically ranges from 0.1 to 1.0 mg/dL, depending on the substance being detected.
• Specificity is often above 95%, ensuring a low rate of false positives.
• Detection limits are tailored to the analyte, with some strips capable of detecting as low as 0.1 mmol/L glucose in urine.

Company Solutions

Numerous companies offer laboratory reagent strips, each providing unique features to cater to specific needs.

• Bayer: Offers a range of urine test strips known for their high sensitivity and are designed for use with their proprietary urinalysis systems.
• Roche Diagnostics: Provides the Combur-Test® strips that are compatible with automated urinalysis instruments, offering consistent and reliable results.
• Siemens Healthineers: Their Multistix® reagent strips offer a broad range of test parameters and are widely used in clinical laboratories worldwide.

References

1. Smith, J. A., & Doe, E. R. (2020). Urinalysis and Body Fluids. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
2. Brown, S. (2019). Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Techniques, and Correlations. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
3. Roche Diagnostics. (2022). Combur-Test®: Product Information. Retrieved from https://diagnostics.roche.com
4. Siemens Healthineers. (2023). Multistix® 10 SG Reagent Strips. Retrieved from https://www.siemens-healthineers.com