⚕️ URINALYSIS: MANUAL STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

By Dr Peter Onoja

 


🔹 STEP 1: PATIENT PREPARATION AND SAMPLE COLLECTION

Explanation:

A clean-catch midstream urine sample is best to avoid contamination from skin or genital secretions.


Steps:

1. Instruct the patient to clean the genital area with clean water or antiseptic wipes.


2. Ask the patient to void the first part of urine into the toilet.


3. Collect the midstream portion in a clean, dry, sterile container.


4. Close the lid tightly and label the container with the patient's details and time of collection.



🔹 STEP 2: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION (MACROSCOPIC)


Explanation:


Observes the urine’s appearance to detect abnormalities.


Steps:


1. Observe the color: normal urine is pale yellow to amber.


Dark yellow may suggest dehydration.


Red or brown may indicate blood or myoglobin.


2. Check clarity: normal is clear.


Cloudy may suggest infection, pus, or crystals.


3. Note odor: a foul smell can indicate infection.



🔹 STEP 3: CHEMICAL ANALYSIS (USING DIPSTICK)

Explanation:

A urine dipstick has multiple reagent pads that change color based on chemical composition.


Steps:

1. Dip the dipstick completely into the urine sample.


2. Remove it immediately and tap off excess urine.


3. Wait the recommended time (usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes) for each test pad.


4. Compare the color of each pad with the manufacturer’s color chart on the strip container.


Parameters typically tested:


pH – Normal: 4.5–8.0 (alkaline or acidic)


Specific Gravity – Indicates urine concentration.


Protein – Detects kidney damage or infections.


Glucose – Suggests diabetes.


Ketones – Seen in diabetes or starvation.


Blood – Suggests infection, trauma, or kidney stones.


Leukocytes – Indicates white blood cells (infection).


Nitrites – Suggests bacterial infection.


Urobilinogen/Bilirubin – Liver function.



🔹 STEP 4: MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION

Explanation:

Done to detect cells, crystals, casts, and organisms under a microscope.


Steps:

1. Pour about 10 mL of urine into a test tube.


2. Centrifuge the sample at about 1500–3000 rpm for 5 minutes.


3. Discard the supernatant, leaving a small drop of sediment.


4. Place 1 drop of sediment on a glass slide, cover with a coverslip.


5. Examine under a microscope (low power first, then high power).



Look for:


RBCs (Red Blood Cells) – bleeding or trauma.


WBCs (White Blood Cells) – infection.


Casts – formed in kidney tubules (e.g., hyaline, granular, RBC casts).


Crystals – can indicate kidney stones or metabolic disorders.


Bacteria, yeast, parasites – infection.



🔹 STEP 5: DOCUMENTATION & INTERPRETATION

Explanation:


Results must be accurately recorded and interpreted by a healthcare professional.


Steps:

1. Record findings from physical, chemical, and microscopic exams.


2. Compare with normal reference ranges.


3. Correlate findings with clinical symptoms.


4. Submit the report to the attending physician for diagnosis and treatment planning.



✅ IMPORTANT TIPS:


Use fresh urine samples, preferably within 2 hours.


Avoid cross-contamination.


Always wear gloves and follow standard infection control practices.

Comments

Post a Comment

We welcome your feedback. Pleased be respectful and stay on topic.

Popular posts from this blog

STEPS IN CHECKING SUGAR LEVELS (FBS – FASTING BLOOD SUGAR)

By Dr Peter Onoja
Image
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) is the level of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast (usually 8–12 hours). It is important in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and other metabolic conditions. Here are the steps: 1. PREPARATION BEFORE TEST Patient must fast for 8–12 hours (no food or drink except water). Explain the procedure to the patient to ensure cooperation. Assemble materials: Glucometer Test strips Lancet device Alcohol swab or cotton wool with spirit Gloves Sharps container 2. HAND HYGIENE Wash your hands with soap and water. Wear disposable gloves. 3. PREPARE THE PATIENT Ensure the patient is seated and relaxed. Confirm the fasting period was properly observed. 4. SITE PREPARATION Select a finger (usually the ring or middle finger). Clean with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely. 5. BLOOD SAMPLE COLLECTION Insert a test strip into the glucometer (it will usually turn on automatically). Use a sterile lancet to prick the cleaned finger. Wipe off the first drop of blood (...
Read more

THE FOUNDATION OF MENTAL WEALTH

By Dr Peter Onoja
Image
In today’s world, many people chase after money, positions, or property—but very few focus on the one thing that shapes all other success: mental wealth. At Elitecare, we understand that true health is not only physical—it is also mental and emotional. Mental wealth is the strength of your mind to think clearly, manage stress, maintain balance, and pursue your goals with confidence. Let’s explore what mental wealth really means, and how you can begin to build it. What Is Mental Wealth? Mental wealth is the total value of your emotional strength, mental clarity, focus, and inner peace. It is not about escaping stress—it’s about having the tools to manage it. It’s about being mentally prepared for life’s challenges and still moving forward. A person with mental wealth: Handles pressure without breaking down Bounces back from failure Thinks clearly, even in tough times Feels fulfilled, not just successful Mental Health vs Mental Wealth Mental health helps you stay emotionally stable. Ment...
Read more

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

By Dr Peter Onoja
Image
✅ Definition of Medical Terminology Medical Terminology is the specialized language used by healthcare professionals to describe the human body, its functions, conditions, diseases, procedures, and treatments. It is mainly derived from Greek and Latin, and follows a structured format using: Prefixes (beginning) – e.g., hypo- (below) Root words (middle) – e.g., cardio (heart) Suffixes (end) – e.g., -itis (inflammation) 🔍 Why It Is Important Ensures clear and precise communication among healthcare workers Reduces medical errors and misunderstandings Helps in documentation, diagnosis, prescriptions, and reports Facilitates international understanding, as it is globally recognized 📌 Example Word: Gastroenteritis Gastro- = Stomach Enter- = Intestine -itis = Inflammation Meaning: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines  🔹 A. COMMON MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS (With Meanings) 1. TDS – Three times a day 2. BD – Twice a day 3. OD – Once a day 4. QID – Four times a day 5. PRN – As needed 6. ...
Read more