Guidelines for evaluation of reagent strips. Exemplified by analysis of urine albumin and glucose concentration using visually read reagent strips. International Federation of Clinical Chemistry, Scientific Division.

Reagent strips are frequently used in the practice of laboratory medicine as well as outside the professional laboratories. In the present report, a scheme is presented which allows a reproducible description of the performance of reagent strips. This is exemplified using strips intended for estimation of urinary albumin and glucose. Experimental conditions that are particularly important for these components are given. Suitable and necessary items which should be included in the protocol presenting results of an evaluation are listed. The guidelines might have general applicability in evaluation and description of tests with a limited number of possible results.