Steps for Using a Urinalysis Tests
1. Preparation
Gather Supplies: Urine collection cup, sterile gloves, labels, urinalysis test strips, centrifuge (if needed), microscope, and reagent strips.
Patient Instructions: Advise the patient to clean the genital area (midstream catch preferred) and avoid contamination.
2. Sample Collection
Provide a clean, dry container for urine collection.
Collect midstream urine (first few mL may contain contaminants).
Label the sample with patient ID, date, and time.
3. Visual Inspection
Check color (clear, yellow, dark, etc.) and clarity (clear, cloudy, turbid).
Note any unusual odor (e.g., fruity = ketones; foul = infection).
4. Dipstick Test (Chemical Analysis)
Dip a reagent strip into the urine for 1–2 seconds.
Tap off excess urine and wait specified time (usually 30–60 sec).
Compare color changes against the reference chart for:
pH (acidity/alkalinity)
Specific gravity (concentration)
Glucose (diabetes screening)
Protein (kidney function)
Ketones (starvation/diabetic ketoacidosis)
Blood (infection/kidney stones)
Bilirubin & Urobilinogen (liver function)
Nitrites & Leukocytes (UTI detection)
5. Microscopic Examination (If Needed)
Centrifuge 5–10 mL urine at 1,500–3,000 RPM for 5 min.
Examine sediment under a microscope for:
RBCs (bleeding, infection)
WBCs (inflammation, UTI)
Casts (kidney disease)
Crystals (kidney stones)
Bacteria/Yeast (infection)
6. Documentation & Reporting
Record all findings in the patient’s medical record.
Report abnormal results (e.g., high protein, blood, bacteria) to the physician.
7. Disposal & Sanitization
Discard used strips and gloves properly.
Clean work surfaces with disinfectant.
