Urinalysis by use of multi-test reagent strips: two dipsticks compared.

We compared Ames' "N-Multistix" with Boehringer's "Combur-8" ("Chemstrip-8") multi-test urine reagent strips by analysis of contrived urine specimens, testing accuracy, precision, specificity, and limits of detection of both products. Relative cost and ease of use were also examined. Each brand of urinary dipstick had specific advantages but it is unlikely that patient care would be adversely affected by preferential use of either product.