The volume and physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics
of urine provide a great deal of information
about a patient's health. Although invasive collection
methods are sometimes necessary, routine urine specimens
can be obtained by noninvasive, painless means.
Urinalysis is the most common diagnostic test performed
in doctors' offices. You will have a substantial role in collecting, processing,
and testing urine specimens. You will need to understand
the urinary tract system and the basic characteristics
of urine, including how it is formed, its physical composition,
its chemical properties, and its microscopic characteristics. Assisting patients and instructing them in the procedures
required to collect different types of specimens
are important aspects of your job. You must understand
the purposes and procedures for collecting random specimens,
first morning specimens, clean-catch midstream
specimens, timed specimens, and 24-hour specimens.
Throughout all collecting and processing procedures, you
must practice quality assurance and employ precautions
to avoid spreading disease-causing microorganisms. When obtaining and processing specimens, you need
to follow general guidelines as well as take into account
special considerations for specific groups of patients. You
are responsible for ensuring that specimens are preserved
and stored so that they are not contaminated or otherwise
altered. You may perform some tests on urine and prepare
urine specimens for evaluation by the doctor. In either case
you must be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal
findings concerning the physical, chemical, and
microscopic characteristics of urine. Urinalysis provides important information to the doctor.
You play a significant role in seeing that the specimen
has been properly collected, processed, and tested, so that
the information obtained from the analysis is useful and
accurate. |