Clinical Significance
Urinalysis, Complete - Dipstick urinalysis is important in accessing the chemical constituents in the urine and the relationship to various disease states. Microscopic examination helps to detect the presence of cells and other formed elements.

Preferred Specimen(s)
10 mL urine - Urinalysis transport tube (yellow-top, blue fill line, preservative tube)


Alternative Specimen(s)
Refrigerated unpreserved pediatric sample • Yellow/red swirl-topped conical transport tube with preservative

Minimum Volume
Preserved: 1 mL • Unpreserved (pediatric only): 1 mL

Collection Instructions
Encourage mid stream samples to minimize contamination and improve accuracy. Label the sample appropriately and store at room temperature until pick-up.

Note: The yellow-top, blue line tube cannot be used for collection and transport of specimens for urine culture.
**This test code does not include reflex to culture**
If reflex to culture is desired, please order "Urinalysis, Complete, with Reflex to Culture" (test code 3020).
If culture is being ordered separately, submit separate specimen (4 mL gray-top tube).

Transport Container
Yellow-top, blue fill line urinalysis transport tube

Transport Temperature
Preserved: Room temperature
Pediatric Unpreserved: Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Preserved urine
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
 
Unpreserved urine
Refrigerated: 24 hours - Pediatric specimen
Reject Criteria
Unpreserved specimen (adults)

Includes
Macroscopic and Microscopic Examinations

Methodology
Reagent Impregnated Strips/Tablets/Microscopic Examination

Reference Range(s)
Color    Yellow
Appearance    Clear
Specific Gravity    1.001-1.035
pH    5.0-8.0
Glucose    Negative
Bilirubin    Negative
Ketones    Negative
Occult Blood    Negative
Protein    Negative
Nitrite    Negative
Leukocyte Esterase    Negative
WBC    ≤5 /HPF
RBC    ≤2 /HPF
Squamous Epithelial Cells    ≤5 /HPF
Transitional Epithelial    ≤5 /HPF
Renal Epithelial Cells    ≤3 /HPF
Bacteria    None seen
Calcium Oxalate Crystals    None or Few
Triple Phosphate Crystals    None or Few
Uric Acid Crystals    None or Few
Amorphous Sediment    None or Few
Crystals    None seen
Hyaline Casts    None seen
Granular Casts    None seen
Casts    None seen
Yeast    None seen