Effects of incubation at various 'room' temperatures on the sensitivity and specificity of Microstix-3

The feasibility of room temperature incubation of Microstix-3 specimens to detect urinary tract infection was studied. This procedure, if successful, would allow home monitoring of patients and eliminate the need for an incubator. Four Microstix-3 strips were dipped into each of 1,241 urine specimens and incubated at 18, 22, 27 or 37 degree C. Results after incubation for 24 h at 27 degree C and after 48 h at 22 degree C were comparable to those after incubation for 18-24 h at 37 degree C. However, even after 72 h, incubation at 18 degree C did not produce results comparable to those obtained at 37 degree C. It appears that the incubator can be successfully eliminated at the higher temperatures tested if the limits of time outlined are observed.