Color bleeding is a common challenge for users when performing an at-home urinalysis. Multiparameter urinalysis test strips have multiple reagent pads that react to different chemicals in urine. Improper usage can cause these pads to cross-contaminate and seep color into the neighboring pads.
These expert tips will help you reduce color bleeding and prevent inaccurate results.
Start by reading the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly. Diagnox provides a step-by-step guide for testing urine and interpreting the results. Follow these directions to reduce the risk of mistakes.
You’ve probably seen characters in movies urinate on pregnancy tests or done so yourself in real life. But unlike many pregnancy tests, multiparameter urine test strips aren’t designed to be placed directly in the urine stream.
Proper use of urinalysis strips involves urinating in a clean, sterile single-use container. The test strip is then dipped inside quickly to expose it to the fluid. This process lets you wet all the reagent pads equally and minimizes cross-bleeding.
Users often mistakenly believe they should soak the test strip in the urine sample for an extended period. However, less is more when it comes to urinalysis. Immersing the strip in the urine for a long time increases the risk of the reagents dissolving and bleeding into the neighboring reagents.
Instead, wet the urinalysis strip for no more than 1 to 2 seconds. This brief immersion will moisten the pad without damaging the reagent pads.
As you lift the urine strip from the container, gently drag it against the rim. This action will remove excess urine without causing cross-contamination between reagent pads. Avoid shaking or squeezing the strip, which can lead to inaccurate results.
After you’ve lifted the strip, rotate it 90 degrees to the side and blot the sides on a clean paper towel. The paper towel will absorb excess urine without interfering with the reagent pads.
Set the urine test strip flat on a clean paper towel while you wait to read the results. This simple step prevents fluid leakage and protects the test’s integrity.
Diagnox’s Urinox-10 Urinalysis Test strips provide results in 30 to 120 seconds. Set a timer to ensure you read each reagent pad in the correct order and don’t accidentally pick up the strip too early.
You may need to pick up the urinalysis strip to compare your results to the color key. Hold the strip flat and move it slowly to prevent fluid from draining into adjacent pads. Avoid touching the pads with your fingers to prevent cross-contamination.
Follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer. If your strips came in a spin-top bottle, store the remaining test strips in the sealed container to prevent contamination. Keep the strips packaged in a dry, dark place at 36 to 86°. You should also discard damaged, discolored, and expired strips.
These simple tips will help you master urine tests and avoid color bleeding. By following our techniques, you can feel confident in the accuracy and reliability of your at-home urinalysis.
Get started now with our affordable and convenient Urinox-10 urinalysis test.
[1] Urinox-10 Instruction Manual, Urinox-10 by Diagnox. Available at this link
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