Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 61

The primary reagent in the reagent strip test for ketones is:

A. Glycine

B. Lactose

C. Sodium hydroxide

D. Sodium nitroprusside

Step 1 of 2

Reagent strip test of ketone:

The reagent strip uses nitroferricyanide (sodium nitroprusside) reaction to analyze ketones in urine.

• Acetoacetic acid (present in urine) and sodium nitroprusside in alkaline medium gives purple color.

• The test is not possible for beta-hydroxybutyrate measurement and also marginally sensitive to acetone.

• Results are reported as negative trace 1+(small),2+(moderate),3+(large) or reported as semi quantitatively 5 mg /dL (milligram per deciliter) (trace),15 mg/dL(small),40 mg/dL(moderate) and 80 to 160 mg/dL (large).

Therefore, in reagent strip test for ketone, “sodium nitroprusside” is primary reagent. Hence, the correct answer is option.