Quality assurance in urinalysis

Abstract

Instituting a Quality Assurance program in urinalysis is an important step in achieving accurate and reproducible results. This article has explored the various components of such a program for routine urine examination and included a discussion, along with "how to" recommendations, of such topics as specimen collection and handling, dipstick chemical analysis, sediment evaluation, and reporting. Properly collected fresh urine samples should be analyzed promptly, preferably without refrigeration. Each step of the urinalysis procedure should be carefully controlled and standards applied to assure optimal results. Reports should include clinically useful pertinent data organized in convenient, readable fashion.