Use of Urinary Reagent Strips in Testing Cerebrospinal Fluid For Meningitis - A Review

Abstract

Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is needed to make a meningitis diagnosis to assist in the proper
management of patients. There is a good correlation between the results of reagent strip test and laboratory
methods of CSF protein, sugar, and leukocyte estimation. CSF supplies nutrients to tissue in the nervous
system. CSF eliminates waste products from cerebral metabolism. Cerebrospinal fluid has three main
functions: CSF protects against trauma on the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is a rare infection that
affects the delicate membranes called meninges, which cover the brain and spinal cord. Index test was
done for testing meningitis using urinary reagent strips. An intrusive outpatient procedure used to remove
a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spine’s subarachnoid area is a lumbar puncture (LP), also
called a spinal tap. A urinary test strip or dipstick is a simple medical tool used in normal urinalysis to assess
abnormal differences in a patient’s urine. There is a good correlation between the results of reagent strip test
and laboratory methods of CSF protein, sugar, and leukocyte estimation. The review gives a clear view and
knowledge about the usage of urinary reagent strips in measuring CSF for meningitis.