Abstract: A test device and method of determining the presence and concentration of proteins in a test sample are disclosed. The test device includes a test pad comprising a new and improved carrier matrix incorporating an indicator reagent composition capable of interacting with proteins to produce a detectable or measurable response. The new and improved carrier matrix of the test pad comprises a film, membrane or layer of a polymerized urethane-based compound, a water insoluble inorganic compound and an insoluble organic compound. The carrier matrix provides improved color resolution and increased sensitivity to proteins in dry phase test strip assays, thereby achieving an accurate and trustworthy protein assay of a liquid test sample, such as urine, having a protein concentration as low as about 5 mg/dL. Also disclosed is a method of making the test device.

Abstract: A new and improved composition and method of determining the specific gravity of an aqueous test sample. The method includes using a test device comprising a carrier matrix incorporating a reagent composition capable of interacting with an aqueous test sample to produce a visually or instrumentally detectable and measurable response that correlates to the specific gravity of the aqueous test sample. The new and improved reagent composition, comprising a molybdate-dye complex indicator, such as a molybdatepyrocatechol violet complex; a protein, such as albumin; a chelating agent, like tartaric acid; and, if necessary, a suitable buffer, is incorporated into a carrier matrix, like filter paper, to provide increased sensitivity to test sample specific gravity and improved color differentiation between test samples having different specific gravities, thereby affording a more accurate and trustworthy specific gravity assay of an aqueous test sample, such as urine.

Abstract: A composition for determining the presence of leukocytes, esterase or protease in a test sample. The composition comprises an ester having the structure ##STR1## in which: A is an N-blocked-amino acid residue or an N-blocked-peptide residue, X is O, S or NR', R is aryl, or lower alkyl, R* is H, or lower alkyl, and R' is H, lower alkyl or aryl; and a suitable buffer substance.