RE: Dipstick Spot urine pH does not accurately represent 24 hour urine PH measured by an electrode

To the editor,

Dear Editor, the recent report on “Dipstick Spot urine pH does not accurately represent 24-hour urine pH measured by an electrode” is very interesting (¹). Similar to the previous report by Kwong et al., the diagnostic property of urine dipstick is the issue for consideration. In fact, it is no doubt that the urine dip stick cannot be comparative to automated electrode urine chemistry analyzer. However, the usefulness of dipstick is still noted and should be mentioned. First, the use of dipstick is fit for field work where the advanced technology is not available. To help the accuracy, the use of semi-automated urine strip reader might be a solution for the problem of naked eye urine strip reading. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the urine dip stick can be only a screening tool. The confirmation is noted. As noted by Wockenfus et al. “therapy protocols should not alternate between dipstick and pH meter urine pH monitoring (³).”

REFERENCES

• ¹
  Omar M, Sarkissian C, Jianbo L, Calle J, Monga M. Dipstick Spot urine pH does not accurately represent 24 hour urine PH measured by an electrode. Int Braz J Urol. 2016;42:546-9.
• ²
  Kwong T, Robinson C, Spencer D, Wiseman OJ, Karet Frankl FE. Accuracy of urine pH testing in a regional metabolic renal clinic: is the dipstick accurate enough? Urolithiasis. 2013;41:129-32.
• ³
  Wockenfus AM, Koch CD, Conlon PM, Sorensen LD, Cambern KL, Chihak AJ, et al. Discordance between urine pH measured by dipstick and pH meter: implications for methotrexate administration protocols. Clin Biochem. 2013;46:152-4.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Nov-Dec 2016