Are you looking for a quick and easy way to test your urine at the comfort of your own home? This canister of Areta 10 Parameter Urinalysis Test Strips is one option available to screen your urine and provide results fast if you are suspecting any UTI (urinary tract infection) or other problems.

This Areta brand of urine test strips for urinalysis (urine analysis), which is available on Amazon.com, is actually better than the rapid testing kits that I’ve seen at my work in the healthcare field. The rapid testing urine strips we have only tests for Leukocytes and Nitrites to detect for possible UTI. However, this one tests for 10 Parameters in total, which I think is a BONUS. It is hard to tell from my photos above, but here are the 10 parameters you can test for: Leukocytes, Nitrite, Urobilinogen, Protein, pH, Blood, Specific Gravity, Ketone, Bilirubin, and Glucose. The one I have comes with 100 strips in total.

This kit is easy to use, and it comes with an instruction manual if you are not familiar with using these rapid testing urine kits.

In essence, you just need to do the following:

Collect your urine in a clean and dry container. I recommended testing the urine as soon as you get a sample, rather than waiting and storing it in the refrigerator. Take a strip from the canister and immerse it in the urine sample and remove, making sure not to have excessive urine in the reagent part of the strip. Place it flat in an absorbent material, like a clean paper towel for example. Watch the reaction and colors at the specified times and compare to the legend/control given in the canister to obtain your results.

Notice that the kit does have an expiration date, so keep that in mind when using them. The expiration date on my kit is November 2016. Do not use after the expiration date, or you run the risk of useless, non-reliable results. Once the sealed canister is opened, the remaining strips become less stable, and are better used within 3 months of opening, as seems to be suggested in the instruction manual. There is also a toll-free 800 number that you can call for any questions or concerns.

I would use this Areta 10 Parameter Urinalysis Test Strips as a preliminary self-test or self-screening if I am suspecting anything from myself or a family member. I have 2 grandmothers and a grandfather within driving distance that may benefit from this. Of course, once you get the results from the rapid urine test, it is wise to have lab work that is confirmed with your primary care physician.

By the way, as of the date I wrote this article, the Areta 10 Parameter Urinalysis Test Strips is being sold for only $10.49.

NOTE: As always, it is best to consult with your primary care physician even after using these test strips. This is especially important if you have a medical condition, currently taking prescribed medications, or have other physical conditions to be monitored. It’s better to be safe!