CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

298
ESSENTIALS OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
In the Lab
Microscopic Examination (continued)
Constituent Reported Values Reference Values
Casts (identify type) _____________________ 0/low-power fi eld (LPF)**
Yeasts (1–4+) _____________________ Negative
Bacteria (1–4+) _____________________ Negative
Mucus (1–4+) _____________________ Negative
Crystals (identify type) _____________________ Negative
Amorphous sediment _____________________ Negative
Miscellaneous
Artifacts
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Comments (unusual findings) ___________________________________________________
Performed by: _______________________ Date Reported _____________
*HPF or high-power field refers to use of the microscope objective of 40X or higher.
**LPF or Low-power field refers to use of the microscope objective of 10X or 20X.
Procedure
1. Wash hands and don gloves.
2. Assemble necessary equipment and supplies.
3. If the specimen has been refrigerated, allow it to reach room temperature before
proceeding with further testing.
4. Pour a small sample of urine into a clear test tube. Observe and note the color,
odor, and clarity of the urine sample.
5. Perform the reagent dipstick test.
a. Mix the sample well by swirling.
b. Quickly dip the strip into the urine (Figure 12-12A), ensuring that all test pads
have been saturated.
c. Remove the strip from the urine and tap or draw the edge of the strip along
the rim of the container to remove excess urine from the strip. Blot the edge of
the strip on a paper towel (Figure 12-12B). Never blot the pads of the test strip.
d. Note the time. Reading the color at the indicated time is critical for optimal results.
6. Compare the color on the dipstick pads to the reaction chart on the dipstick container
(Figure 12-12C).
a. Each color pad must be read at the designated time printed on the color chart
on the dipstick container.
b. Any color change that occurs after 2 minutes is of no diagnostic value.
c. Read the values that require the least amount of time first, then progress to the
results that require a longer period of time for the reaction to be completed.
d. If an automated strip reader is available, follow directions provided by the
manufacturer for performing and recording test results.
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