The Clinitest (Bayer, formerly Ames) is a test for reducing substances in urine or stool. It is a semiquantitative test for glucose or other reducing substances based on the color change that occurs.
Specimen: diluted urine in a test tube.
|
Drops of Urine |
Test Name |
Concentration Range |
|
2 drops |
2-drop |
higher |
|
5 drops |
5-drop |
lower |
If 2 drops of urine are used, then the "2-drop" test is done.
If 5 drops of urine are used, then the "5-drop" test is done.
Reagent: tablet containing copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide which is dropped into the specimen tube
Results are based on matching the color to a color guide. The results are reported in percent (weight per volume, grams of glucose per dL).
|
Color |
5-Drop Method |
2-Drop Method |
|
dark blue |
negative |
negative |
|
dark olive green with blue |
trace |
trace |
|
dark olive green |
0.25% |
0.50% |
|
intermediate olive green |
0.5% |
1.0% |
|
light olive green |
0.75% |
1-2% |
|
dull green orange mix |
1% |
2% |
|
dull orange green mix |
1-2% |
3% |
|
yellow orange |
1-2% |
>= 5% |
|
bright orange |
>= 2% |
>= 5% |
Very high levels of reducing substances results in the "passing through" color change. The specimen will show the maximal orange color which will be lost. It is important to observe the specimen during the entire test and not to rely on the final color. The reported value is >= 5% (with the 2-drop method).
Factors affecting results:
(1) The presence of an X-ray dye (diatrizoate) may cause a black color.
(2) Hydrogen peroxide may cause a false negative test.
(3) Failure to keep the tablets protected from heat and moisture.
Specialty: Nephrology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,
