What are colorimetric reagent strips primarily used to measure in urine?

Colorimetric reagent strips are primarily designed for chemical determinations in urine. These strips contain various chemical reagents that undergo specific color changes when they react with different constituents in the urine, such as glucose, protein, ketones, bilirubin, pH, nitrites, leukocytes, and others. This qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis allows for a quick assessment of the chemical composition of urine, which can provide valuable insights into an individual's metabolic state, the presence of infection, or disease conditions.

In contrast, hormonal levels require specific assays such as immunoassays, which are not what colorimetric strips are designed to measure. Cellular morphology relates to the examination of cells under a microscope, which cannot be assessed with reagent strips. Specific gravity is typically measured using a refractometer or dipsticks designed specifically for assessing concentration rather than the full chemical context that the colorimetric strips provide.