EVALUATION OF AN AUTOMATED URINE CHEMISTRY REAGENT-STRIP ANALYZER

We evaluated the Miles Inc., Clinitek Atlas Automated Urine Chemistry Analyzer for 11 tests: bilirubin, color, glucose, ketones, leukocyte e sterase, nitrite, occult blood, pH, protein, specific gravity, and uro bilinogen. The instrument uses a roll of reagent strips affixed to a c lear plastic support; urine specimens are automatically pipetted onto these strips. The instrument measures the pads' color using reflectanc e colorimetry. Specific gravity is measured using a fiberoptic refract ive index method. Four hospitals participated in the evaluation, and t ests were performed only on fresh urine samples. We found the instrume nt easy to use; it has walk-away capability with up to 40-specimen loa ding capacity plus spaces for STATs, calibrators and controls. We foun d good comparability with chemical tests and other nonreagent strip pr ocedures, as well as good agreement with the Miles Inc. Clinitek 200urine chemistry analyzer and visual reading of the Miles Inc. Multisti x Reagent Strips. The Clinitek Atlas is rugged and reliable, and is su itable for a high-volume urinalysis laboratory. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, I nc.