- Using fresh, well-mixed, uncentrifuged urine, hold the reagent strip by the opposite end from the test areas and dip the stick into the specimen so that all test areas are immersed. Remove the stick immediately. Prolonged immersion in the sample may wash out the test reagents.
- Hold the strip in a horizontal position and run the edge of the strip against the rim of the urine container, or touch the long edge of the strip to an absorbent towel or gauze to remove excess urine (do not directly blot the test pads).
- If you are using a dipstick reader, place the strip immediately onto the tray of the reader.
- Replace the cap on the container to prevent deterioration of the remaining strips.
The video on this page demonstrates the correct technique when using a dipstick reader.
If you are reading the tests manually, proceed with these instructions. Note that each laboratory may have a slightly different urinalysis procedure for manual chemical reagent strips; these are general guidelines.
- Maintain the strip in a horizontal position to prevent mixing of reagent chemicals and observe the reagent pads at the specified time periods indicated on the chemical reagent strip container or procedure. Color changes that occur after the stated maximum read time are not valid.
- Hold the strip close to the chart and compare the colors to read the results. A good light source facilitates accurate reading.
- Carefully record results on pre-printed worksheets upon observation of each reagent pad result.
