Urine dipstick testing: comparison of results obtained by visual reading and with the Bayer CLINITEK 50

Abstract

Bayer Multistix urine test strips have been in widespread use for many years for point-of-care testing. They rely on the visual comparison of colour development with a chart for semiquantitative results. These tests are essentially for screening; positives should be followed up by conventional laboratory tests. The accuracy of these tests has been assessed and their widespread use demonstrates their clinical value. The Bayer Diagnostics CLINITEK 50 Urine Chemistry Analyser (Bayer PLC, Newbury, UK) is a portable re ectance meter for reading Bayer reagent strips for urinalysis. The timing of the test is automatic and the results are printed when analysis is complete. We use the Bayer Multistix SG at the diabetic clinic and record protein, blood, glucose and ketones (bilirubin, speci®c gravity, pH and urobilinogen are also measured but not recorded). If a urinalysis produces a negative or trace result for protein or a negative result for blood, the sample is also analysed for microalbumin by turbidimetry, but if the results are positive microalbumin is not measured. The results are given to the clinical staff in time for the consultation. This study was carried out to compare the performance of visual reading compared with re ectance meter measurement.