Elkhart in Elkhart County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Development of Diagnostic Test Strips

Elkhart, Indiana - 1956

Photographed By Duane Hall, April 21, 2013

1. Development of Diagnostic Test Strips Marker

Inscription. A Miles Laboratories research team led by Alfred and Helen Free developed the first diagnostic test strip, Clinistix(R), for detecting glucose in urine. Reagent-impregnated strips changed color based on the concentration of glucose. This breakthrough led to additional dip-and-read tests for proteins and other substances. Subsequently, researchers devised a method to combine several tests on one strip to provide healthcare professionals with simple, immediate tools to aid in the detection of diseases. These innovations, along with instrument-based measurement of glucose in fingertip blood, provided patients with inexpensive means to aid in the management of diabetes and kidney disease, significantly improving their quality of life.

Erected 2010 by Saint Joseph Valley Section of the American Chemical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.

Location. 41° 41.581′ N, 85° 58.437′ W. Marker is in Elkhart, Indiana, in Elkhart County. Marker is at the intersection of E. Beardsley Ave and Grove St, on the right when traveling east on E. Beardsley Ave. Marker is at southwest corner of intersection. Parking is available across the street in the Ruthmere Museum parking

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lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elkhart IN 46514, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ruthmere (within shouting distance of this marker); Main St. Memorial Bridge (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Island Park (about 700 feet away); The Havilah Beardsley House (about 700 feet away); The Rivers for Commerce (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elkhart River Wharves (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Rivers for Recreation (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Rivers and the Native Americans (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elkhart.

More about this marker. The marker identifies itself as a National Historic Chemical Landmark of the American Chemical Society.

Photographed By Duane Hall, April 21, 2013

2. Development of Diagnostic Test Strips Marker

View to east along E. Beardsley Avenue.
The Ruthmere House is across the street from the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 655 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.