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Urinalysis. Urinalysis is a diagnostic physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of a urine sample (specimen). Specimens can be obtained by normal emptying of the bladder (voiding) or by a hospital procedure called catheterization. Urinalysis purpose. General evaluation of health.
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Urinalysis is a diagnostic physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of a urine sample (specimen). • Specimens can be obtained by normal emptying of the bladder (voiding) or by a hospital procedure called catheterization.
Urinalysis purpose • General evaluation of health. • Diagnosis of metabolic or systemic diseases that affect kidney function. • Diagnosis of endocrine disorders. Twenty-four-hour urine studies are often ordered for these tests. • Diagnosis of diseases or disorders of the kidneys or urinary tract. • Monitoring of patients with diabetes. • Testing for pregnancy. • Screening for drug abuse.
Collection of Voided specimens • First morning sample • Midstream, clean catch collection • Minimum volume of 3 ml (1 ml for children) • Analysis within 1-2 hours or refrigerate
Testing techniques • Dipsticks are thin strips of plastic that change color in the presence of specific substances. Dipsticks can be used to measure: • Specific gravity • Acidity of the urine (its pH) • The presence of blood, • Protein, • Sugar, • Substances produced during the breakdown of fatty acids (ketones). • Under a microscope to determine whether it contains blood cells, crystals, or small pieces of fibrous material (casts).
Normal Values • Normal urine may vary in color from almost colorless to dark yellow. Some foods (like beets and blackberries) may color the urine red. • The urine specific gravity ranges between 1.005 and 1.030 (higher numbers mean a higher concentration). The specific gravity varies depending on the time of day, amount of food and liquids consumed, and the amount of recent exercise. • The urine pH is also influenced by a number of factors. Generally the normal pH range is from 4.6 to 8.0, with an average of 6.0. • There is usually no detectable urine glucose, urine ketones, or urine protein. • There are usually no RBCs in urine • Hemoglobin is not normally found in the urine. • Bilirubin is normally not detected in the urine. There may be a trace of urobilinogen in the urine. • Nitrites and white blood cells (leukocytes) are not normally present in the urine.
EU = Ehrlich Units (1 mg) RBC are reported as number seen per power field (HPF): hpf = High Power Field (400x) lpf = Low Power Field (100X) The specific gravity of a substance is a comparison of its density to that of water.