The specimen in urine analysis

Introduction to urine analysis

As known urine is bio hazardous substance requires then observance of the standard precautions gloves should be worn at all times when in contact with specimen

Specimens must be collected in clean dry leak proof  containers disposable containers are recommended because they eliminate the change of contamination due to improper washing.

• Containers for routine urine analysis should have awide mouth to facilitate collection from female patient and wide flat bottom to prevent overturning

• They should be made of a clear material to allow for determination of color and clarity

• Sterile containers with secure closures should be used for microbiologic urine studies sterile containers are also suggested if more than 2 hours elapse  between specimen collection and analysis.  

All specimens must be labelled probably patient name and identification number the date and time of collection and additional information such as patient age and location and the physician name  as required by in situational protocol

 label must be attached to the containers

A requisition from manual or computerized most accompanies specimen  delivered to the laboratory

The information of the form must match the information on the specimen label

Additional information on the form can include method of collection or type of specimen  possible interfering medication and the patient clinical information's time the specimen received in the laboratory 

should be recorded on the form

Improperly labeled and collected specimen  should be rejected by The laboratory and appropriate personnel should be notified to collect a new. Specimen

An acceptable situation include specimen  un labelled containers non matching labels and requisition forms.

Specimen containing feces or toilet paper containers with contaminated exteriors specimen of in sufficient quantity and specimen  that have been improperly transported laboratories should writing policy rejection

Specimen handling

The fact is that a urine specimen is also readily available and easily collected often leads to 

 laxity in the treatment of the Specimen after it is collection

Changes in urine composition take place not only in vivo but also in vitro requiring collecting handling procedures

Specimen integrity

Following collection specimen should be delivered to laboratory promptly

And tested within two hour .

A specimen that cannot be delivered and  tasted within  2 hour should be refrigerated or have an appropriate chemical preservative. Added 

Notice 

That most of the changes are related to the presence of growth bacteria

Specimen preservation 

The most routinely used method of preservation is refrigeration a to 2c

To 8c which decreases bacterial growth and metabolism 

If the urine is to be cultured it should be refrigerated during transit and held  refrigerated until cultured up to 24-hours

Refrigeration can increase the specific gravity when measured by urinary meter and precipitation  of crystals especially amorphous phosphates and urates

Which may obscure the microscopic sediment analysis

Specimen must returning to room temperature before chemical testing by reagent strips this will correct specific gravity and dissolve  of this dissolved crystals

When specimen must be transported over a long distance and refrigeration's impossible

Chemical preservatives may be added

Chimerical the transport tubes are available

The ideal preservative should be bactericidal

Inhibit urease and preserve formed elements in the sediment

At the same time the preservative should not interfere with chemical tests.

Sources