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History of Test StripsLate 1950

s first modern test strip used todetect glucose in urine (urinalysis)Early 1960

s development of strips for serum and blood analysisToday test strips are the most frequentlyused test method for blood glucose testing

and urinalysis Ames division of Miles - other applicationsfor test strips, including pool and spa stripsdeveloped in early 1980

s

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Test Strip Technology isnot unique to the Pool

and Spa IndustryMedical

Food Quality Aquarium Agricultural

Automotive

Water QualityForensicsMetallurgy

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Why Test Strips?

Many same chemicalreactions as liquid kits

ConvenienceFaster More TestsEasier

AccuracyEconomical

Save Time and Money

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How We See Color

Several HUES with varying saturation.Varying Value (Lightness).

Changes in hue are easier to distinguish!

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Reacting Pads consist of:

- Absorbent pad for sample uptake- Chemicals for color reactions- Chemicals for long shelf life- Chemicals for long use life

Test Strip consists of:- Plastic handle- Reacting Pads

pH

This test Strip measures all of the following parameters witha simple dip, remove and notethe resulting color.

Total Dissolved Solids

Cyanuric Acid

Total Alkalinity

Free Chlorine

Total Chlorine

Total Hardness

Test Strips for Pool Water Analysis- A close look

Convenience

Test strips are far more scientific than most people

realize, but we take care of the science for you.

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Convenience

Most tests completed in 15 to 45seconds.

As many as 7 different tests can beincluded on one test strip

Anyone can use test strips

Small container size to store andtransportNo mess - no clean up

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Test Strip

Directions:Dip strips into the water for onesecond, remove. Hold strip levelfor 15 seconds. Compare pad tocolor chart.

0

1 5

3 0

5 0

L o w

G o o

d

Simple activation and use. To use, we dip the strip and match reacted colors toreference blocks ...

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ACCURACY

Test strips can be as accurate as anyother testing method

Independence of user technique makestest strips accurate for wide range of users

General rule of thumb concerningaccuracy for test strips - accurate towithin 1/2 color block

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ACCURACY/PRECISION

Test strips require color distinction betweenreference color blocks that is obvious to auser with normal color acuity. This means thatall of the concentration increments availablewith other methods are not practical for visually read strips

Color Blocks developed at critical levels toallow the user to make meaningful decisionson treatment options

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Ensure Accuracy

Ideal storage conditions - low humidityat room temperature

40 C ( 104 F ) at least 6 to 8 weeks50

C ( 122

F ) at least 4 to 5 weeksCap tightly sealed with desiccant in bottle

Handle strips with dry fingersFollow directions precisely

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Evidence of AccuracyonBalance Research Study Summarized inService Industry News

1000 Pools in the Arizona and Southern CaliforniaareaTest strips compared to liquids and both comparedto ASTM lab methodsTest strips were found to be as accurate as liquids,and in some cases even better Quotes from the SIN article:

Test strips were

quick to use, easy to use and easy toteach someone to use

Based on Research results, onBalance reports that theyhave begun purchasing test strips for their firms use

Not all strips are equal

an ongoing problem with crosscontamination from pad to pad

with Test Strip B.

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Evidence of Accuracy

A comparison of ion chromatography, acolorimetric assay and a test kit for measuring the nitrate content of well water showed that, despite considerabledifferences among methods, results weregenerally in good agreement. Inexpensive,easy to use test strips offer a definiteadvantage when analysis facilities and/or time are limited.

Department of Food Science and Agronomy, PurdueUniversity

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Economical

Multiple parameter test strips will costabout as much as all replacement

reagents needed to do the same testsHuge savings in time and thereforemoney

New users require little or no training touse the test strips

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Test Strips Available

Free and Total ChlorineBromineBiguanideMonopersulfateCyanuric AcidpHTotal AlkalinitySaltHigh Range FreeChlorine

HardnessIron

Copper NitrateNitriteTotal Dissolved Solids

(TDS)BorateHydrogen Peroxide

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AquaChek Professional

Service KitTest 16 Chemistrieswith one kit

Save valuable timein testingMeets regulatoryrequirements FASDPDWaterproof treatment guide

Special Price

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Frequently Asked

QuestionsTemperature differenceExpiration datesDifferent results with liquid kit and teststrips - FACTS

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AquaChek Pool and Spa

StripsQuick test

Accurate

Easy to use

Convenient for serviceand pool owner

Double check other testing methods