NATA PASS Program
Each method has its advantages. Dipsticks are generally less expensive to purchase; however, you sacrifice accuracy. Using dipsticks is highly subjective in that the evaluator must match colors between the chemstrip and the color table to determine hydration status.
A refractometer provides a more accurate, more objective measure than dipsticks. A refractometer allows the evaluator to clearly see the individual's hydration status. This is not subject to interpretation because the evaluator reads the hydration status from a table within the refractometer.
Let's compare the cost of using dipsticks to assess an athlete's hydration status with that of using a refractometer.
