Aa
looking for test strips
is there a test strip that tests for dehydration
The standard ER test for dehydration is to utilize what are called orthostatic vital signs. The patient lies on his/her back for five minutes and the blood pressure is taken. The patient then stands up and within one to two minutes another reading is taken. Drop in blood pressure accompanied by a rising heart rate signified hypovolemia, which may be due to dehydration. This test is not one hundred percent accurate and is most effective when there is fluid loss over 1000 ml.
The test strips that I use are 10LG Parameter Urine Reagent Strips which can be bought on line at a reasonable price.
These strips detect Leukocytes, Nitrite, Urobilinogen, Protein, pH, Blood, Specific Gravity, Ketone, Bilirubin, Glucose.
You can get strips that detect less.
The one that would be of interest if someone is suffering from dehydration is the Specific Gravity reading. A raised specific gravity reading could mean: dehydration, adrenal insufficiency, nephrosis, congestive cardiac-failure, liver disease.
The best way to know if someone is dehydrated is to look at the colour of their urine. It should be light in colour. The darker it is means it is more concentrated. There will be a dry mouth, not having enough urine to pee (less than 3 wet diapers for a baby would indicate the baby was dehydrated). If you pinch the skin and it takes a long time to spring back, that too can mean dehydration.
People can get irritable, confused and lethargic and have a headache when they are dehydrated.
If the person is very ill and not drinking enough, they may need to be admitted to hospital and be put on a drip.
Otherwise, slowly drink water. Too much water is just as dangerous as not having enough.
Hope this helps.
These strips detect Leukocytes, Nitrite, Urobilinogen, Protein, pH, Blood, Specific Gravity, Ketone, Bilirubin, Glucose.
You can get strips that detect less.
The one that would be of interest if someone is suffering from dehydration is the Specific Gravity reading. A raised specific gravity reading could mean: dehydration, adrenal insufficiency, nephrosis, congestive cardiac-failure, liver disease.
The best way to know if someone is dehydrated is to look at the colour of their urine. It should be light in colour. The darker it is means it is more concentrated. There will be a dry mouth, not having enough urine to pee (less than 3 wet diapers for a baby would indicate the baby was dehydrated). If you pinch the skin and it takes a long time to spring back, that too can mean dehydration.
People can get irritable, confused and lethargic and have a headache when they are dehydrated.
If the person is very ill and not drinking enough, they may need to be admitted to hospital and be put on a drip.
Otherwise, slowly drink water. Too much water is just as dangerous as not having enough.
Hope this helps.
Pinch your skin on the back of your hand - if it "tents" and stays that way, you are dehydrated. If it flattens right away - you are not.
Sodas, tea, and coffee dehydrate and are not a good choice on a hot summer's day. Water or gatorade is better for you. But water is still best since we are partly made of water.
Hope this information was helpful. Stay well.... wishing you the best,
Sodas, tea, and coffee dehydrate and are not a good choice on a hot summer's day. Water or gatorade is better for you. But water is still best since we are partly made of water.
Hope this information was helpful. Stay well.... wishing you the best,
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