Definition
Urine analysis using reagent test strips (also known as dipsticks or tapes) is a quick, non-invasive diagnostic tool used to detect abnormalities in urine that may indicate infections, metabolic disorders, or kidney issues.
Purposes
The purpose of urine analysis using a reagent test strip or tape is to provide a quick, non-invasive, and cost-effective screening tool for detecting a wide range of health conditions. These strips are designed to identify chemical changes in urine that may indicate:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) through detection of leukocytes and nitrites
- Diabetes by identifying glucose and ketones
- Kidney disorders via protein, blood, and specific gravity levels
- Liver dysfunction through bilirubin and urobilinogen presence
- Acid-base imbalances by measuring urine pH
- Hematuria or hemoglobinuria, which may signal trauma, infection, or systemic disease
By comparing the color changes on the strip to a standardized chart, healthcare providers can rapidly assess whether further diagnostic testing is needed. It’s especially useful in routine screenings, emergency assessments, and monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes or renal disease.
Articles
1. Urine specimen in a container.
2. Reagent strips in container.
3. Clean disposable gloves
4. Receptacle for used strip/disposable bag.
5. Watch.
Procedure
| NURSING ACTIONS | RATIONALE | |
| 1. | Before procedure Provide labeled container for collecting urine. | |
| 2. | Explain about method of collection of double-voided specimen. | Proper explanation helps the patient to collect specimen in a correct manner. |
| 3. | Proper explanation helps the patient to collect specimen in a correct manner. | Helps in a systematic analysis. |
| 4. | Double check the sample for correctness of patient identification details. | Ensures accurate results. |
| 5. | Check the strips for expiry date. | |
| 6. | Don gloves and collect urine specimen from patient. | |
| 7. | Take one reagent strip out from the container and dip the portion of the strip with reagent in urine. | Color change occurs in the strip according to the presence of abnormality. |
| 8. | Place the test strip on the tissue/absorbent paper other. Start the timer/note the time. Replace the lid on the urine specimen. | It prevents the colors on the pads contaminating each other. It ensures the reagent strip to react with the urine sample for a minimum specified time period (usually 60 sec). Prevents spillage and contamination. |
| 9. | Compare the color of the strip with the color chart on the reagent strip container or separate chart. | Color change indicates the presence and amount of glucose in urine. |
| 10. | After procedure Discard the used strip and used articles. | |
| 11. | Replace the reusable items and wash hands. | |
| 12. | Record the patient’s chart result of the test. | Conveys information to physician and other staff. |
Special Consideration
The part of the strip with the reagent should not be touched with bare hands. Care should be taken to see that the dipstick should not be exposed to sunlight while storing.
Key Considerations
- Store strips in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Avoid touching reagent pads with fingers.
- False positives/negatives can occur due to medications, vitamin C, or improper technique.
- For pediatrics, use adhesive urine bags or catheterization if needed.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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