According to the National Institutes of Health, a urinalysis procedure is the "physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine". Tests are conducted on a urine sample to assess the amounts of various compounds. Urinalysis procedures are used for medicinal, scientific and monitoring purposes. Diabetes and kidney patients are often monitored medically by urinalysis. Other urinalysis procedures are administered for the purpose of drug testing.
Give a Proper Sample
For the test results to be accurate, you need to give a clean . Sometimes you will be asked to collect it at home, and other times you will give the urine sample at the doctor's office or analysis laboratory. To give clean catch urine cultures, both men and women should wash their genitals with mild soap and warm water or use sterile wipes if given to you at the time of the test. Clean the urethra by urinating the first bit into the toilet. Then capture the sample using the given cup; you do not need more than 2 oz. unless requested. Do not use an antiseptic to wipe your genitals as it may inhibit bacteria from growing in a culture test.
The Three Steps of a Urinalysis Procedure
The first step of a urinalysis procedure is a visual inspection. Healthy urine is clear, while cloudy urine can indicate an infection. You can also note the color, which in healthy urine varies from light yellow to the color of dark honey. According to Martha K. Terris, M.D., an assistant professor of urology at Stanford University School of Medicine, a sudden change in color is no cause for alarm. However, if a sudden change in color is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, discharge or frequency of urination, a medical examination is recommended.
The second step of the urinalysis procedure is also visual but it is done with a microscope, as an analyst checks the urine at a cellular level. He or she can see urine crystals and examine any mucus contents. Additionally, bacteria and other microorganisms can be spotted.
The final step is a chemical and or pH test. This urinalysis procedure is performed using a pre-treated paper dipstick in a shape of an oblong rectangle. This dipstick is submerged into the urine. When withdrawn, it changes color according to the level of the substance it is measuring.
Tags: urine sample, change color, give clean, step urinalysis, step urinalysis procedure