What is the primary function of reagent strips?

The primary function of reagent strips is to test for specific chemical substances found in various bodily fluids, such as urine or blood. These strips are coated with chemicals that produce color changes in response to the presence of particular substances. For example, in urinalysis, reagent strips can detect glucose, proteins, ketones, and pH levels, among others. This allows healthcare professionals to gather important diagnostic information quickly and efficiently.

The other options pertain to different health assessments: measuring body temperature is done with thermometers, monitoring blood pressure involves sphygmomanometers, and evaluating muscle strength requires tests like manual muscle testing or dynamometers. None of these functions relate to the chemical analysis capabilities that reagent strips provide.