Glucose detection and concentration estimation in feline urine samples with the Bayer Multistix and Purina Glucotest

The Bayer Multistix are commonly used for detection and estimation of feline glucosuria by veterinarians and cat owners. A newer product, the Purina Glucotest, utilizes the same enzymatic technology for detection of glucose, but has been designed for home use as a litter additive that allows interpretation of glucosuria over an 8-h period. The objectives of this study were to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the Glucotest and Multistix, and to assess the 8-h color stability of the Glucotest. Overall, the Glucotest had greater sensitivity and specificity than the Multistix, and more accurately estimated urine glucose concentration if evaluated at least 30 min after exposure to urine. A significant lack of agreement between the results obtained immediately after exposure to urine vs after 30 min and 8 h contradicts the 8-h color stability claim, but the change in urine glucose concentration estimation over time resulted in improved test accuracy at the 30 and 480 min time points.