Evaluation of Aution Max AX-4280 automated urine test-strip analyser

Aution Max AX-4280, an automated urine test-strip analyser, was evaluated in three centres. Method comparison, imprecision, carry-over, linearity, detection limit and drift studies were performed for glucose, protein, blood and leukocytes using Uriflet S 9UB strips. These strips enable measurement of pH, glucose, protein, blood, leukocytes, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen and nitrite. Specific gravity is determined by the refractive index method. Within-run and between-day imprecision, assessed using pooled urines and quality control materials, were good. No drift over 24 h or sample carry-over was observed. Method comparison with quantitative methods for glucose, protein and specific gravity yielded good correlations. Ascorbate negatively interfered with haemoglobin, glucose and nitrite measurements. Acetylsalicylic acid lowered pH, the effect being greatest when protein was absent. During the assessment period no malfunction or breakdown was reported. The Aution Max is easy to use and needs minimal maintenance.