Evaluation the Clinitek status automated dipstick analysis device for semiquantitative testing of canine urine.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the Clinitek status analyser using Multistix10SG/Microalbustix dipsticks (all: Siemens Dx) for canine urine (n=101) compared to reference methods: visual reading (Combur9 dipstick, Roche), refractometry, microscopy, and quantitative protein/creatinine analysis (Pentra400, AxonLab). The automated analyses were done twice and visual tests were performed by two examiners. An excellent to good concordance was demonstrated between the first/second analysis with the Multistix10SG and the Combur9 dipstick, respectively with Cohen's kappa-values ranging from 0.776 to 1.000. Agreement between both dipsticks was good for glucose (kappa=0.753), blood (kappa=0.793), protein (kappa=0.788), and moderate for bilirubin (kappa=0.431) and ketones (kappa=0.540). In 6/101 specimens, false positive ketone reactions were obtained with the Multistix10SG. Multistix10SG could not be used for determination of pyuria or specific gravity. Semiquantitative/quantitative protein results correlated well (rho=0.90) and creatinine measurements moderately (rho=0.76). Due to automated data transmission to the laboratory information system, the Clinitek status is of advantage in veterinary laboratories/clinics.