Performance Objectives - Urinalysis

Upon completion of the rotation through the urinalysis laboratory, students should be able to:

  1. Perform manual and/or automated urinalysis until a specimen can be accurately processed within a timely manner (approx.10 minutes).
  2. Perform urinalysis on a minimum of 25 specimens, with 10 specimens being abnormal ones, with 95% accuracy.
  3. Perform the following additional tests:
    1. QC methods for all tests
    2. Minimum of 3 confirmatory tests (Clinitest, SSA, Ictotest, etc)
    3. Minimum of 5 pregnancy tests
  4. Performing accurate and complete urinalysis, with appropriate controls includes the following:
    1. Macroscopic exam for color and clarity
    2. Specific gravity by refractometer or dipsticks
    3. Chemical examination using commercial dipsticks
    4. Confirmatory procedures as needed and as appropriate for the lab
    5. Microscopic exam including the use of phase and/or polarized microscopy, if available
    6. Differentiate between reportable and non-reportable elements in a urine microscopic exam
    7. Identify normal and abnormal microscopic elements
    8. Correlate results to insure acceptable and reportable results (asks for help, discusses results, and repeats tests as needed)
    9. Correlate results with possible disease processes prior to reporting.
  5. Use the equipment in the lab according to lab protocol and perform the following:
    1. Daily start up procedures
    2. Quality control checks
    3. Daily maintenance
    4. Troubleshooting and correction of problems that occur, with help from the supervising tech
  6. Generally, when working in lab area, students should:
    1. Determine appropriateness of specimen for test.
    2. Organize work area for procedures to be performed including restocking as appropriate.
    3. Priorities work to perform STAT and ASAP work first.
    4. Report results according to lab protocol.
    5. Dispose of specimens and test materials as appropriate.
    6. Clean up work area when finished.
  7. Use the lab's information system to record and report results.
  8. Exercise appropriate safety method for all procedures performed in the urinalysis lab.