|
ISSN 0973 - 0958
Urine Test and Collection Procedure
Translate this Page
PROCEDURE FOR URINE TEST AND COLLECTION
How is a urine collection done ?
Before collecting urine, the genital area should be properly cleaned with soap and water. Mid stream urine is preferred as initial urine may be contaminated by bacteria from the genital area which may lead to erroneous results. Urine is collected in a clean container. Ideally the initial stream of urine is not collected and urine is directly collected in a wide jar container during mid stream. The jar is screwed tight with the lid and sent to the laboratory immediately for testing. In case of delay, the urine should be refrigerated. Delay in testing or improper storage may cause bacteria to multiply which will alter the pH and results of test.
Urine culture is collected in a sterile container obtained from the lab. Collection is similar described above. If urine culture tube cannot be sent to the laboratory immediately, it should be stored at -4o C and transported to the laboratory in ice.
Sometimes 24 hours urine may have to be collected to test for certain elements such as albumin, calcium, uric acid, oxalate, phosphorus and even genetic tests. Here urine is collected in a wide jar container over a period of 24 hours. Thymol crystals are placed in the urine to prevent decomposition of urine.
Sometimes in small babies or very ill patients, urine may be collected by inserting a catheter or by putting a needle straight into the bladder and aspirating urine through a syringe.
What are urine dipsticks ?
There are commercially available dipsticks (multisticks) that test for presence of albumin (protein), sugar, blood and bacteria in urine. These strips are handy and give results in a few minutes. They are very useful for frequent monitoring of urine at home which may be required in patients with diabetes mellitus and nephrotic syndrome. Multisticks can test all the parameters whereas there may be separate glucosticks that will only measure glucose and separate protein sticks that will only check for proteins. Here dipsticks are dipped into the urine collected in a container for an interval specified by the manufacture and change in colour helps to identify the pathology.
Last updated: 24th December 2009
Before collecting urine, the genital area should be properly cleaned with soap and water. Mid stream urine is preferred as initial urine may be contaminated by bacteria from the genital area which may lead to erroneous results. Urine is collected in a clean container. Ideally the initial stream of urine is not collected and urine is directly collected in a wide jar container during mid stream. The jar is screwed tight with the lid and sent to the laboratory immediately for testing. In case of delay, the urine should be refrigerated. Delay in testing or improper storage may cause bacteria to multiply which will alter the pH and results of test.
Urine culture is collected in a sterile container obtained from the lab. Collection is similar described above. If urine culture tube cannot be sent to the laboratory immediately, it should be stored at -4o C and transported to the laboratory in ice.
Sometimes 24 hours urine may have to be collected to test for certain elements such as albumin, calcium, uric acid, oxalate, phosphorus and even genetic tests. Here urine is collected in a wide jar container over a period of 24 hours. Thymol crystals are placed in the urine to prevent decomposition of urine.
Sometimes in small babies or very ill patients, urine may be collected by inserting a catheter or by putting a needle straight into the bladder and aspirating urine through a syringe.
What are urine dipsticks ?
There are commercially available dipsticks (multisticks) that test for presence of albumin (protein), sugar, blood and bacteria in urine. These strips are handy and give results in a few minutes. They are very useful for frequent monitoring of urine at home which may be required in patients with diabetes mellitus and nephrotic syndrome. Multisticks can test all the parameters whereas there may be separate glucosticks that will only measure glucose and separate protein sticks that will only check for proteins. Here dipsticks are dipped into the urine collected in a container for an interval specified by the manufacture and change in colour helps to identify the pathology.
Last updated: 24th December 2009
Specialist Answer on Procedures
More Articles on Procedures
Disclaimer:
The information given by www.pediatriconcall.com is provided by medical and paramedical & Health providers voluntarily for display & is meant only for informational purpose. The site does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Use of any information is solely at the user's own risk. The appearance of advertisement or product information in the various section in the website does not constitute an endorsement or approval by Pediatric Oncall of the quality or value of the said product or of claims made by its manufacturer.
copyright ©2011 website design & development by Levioza
