Urinalysis
Purpose: The urinalysis is a diagnostic procedure used in diagnoses of several conditions. Urines are collected and analyzed by 3 methods:
Physical – color, turbidity (cloudiness) are examined
Chemical – a dipstick is a strip of test chemicals placed on small pads. The dipstick is literally dipped into the urine and removed, and then colors of the pads are compared to determine any chemicals present.
Microscopic examination – urine is spun down in a centrifuge and then a drop is placed on a microscopic slide, cover-slipped and placed under a microscope. This slide is read by qualified professionals.
This exercise is specifically designed for the medical assistants and medical lab technicians taking Basic A & P. But we all should understand why physicians often use the urinalysis for diagnosis.
Objectives:
Apply the physical, chemical and microscopic examinations of an urinalysis to a case study.
Describe the various urinalysis tests, indicate abnormal results and determine what abnormal conditions they may detect.
Select the following urinary conditions that apply to the case study.
- calculi
- glycosuria
- albuminuria (proteinuria)
- ketonuria
- hematuria
- hemoglobinuria
- pyuria
