Stick 'em up: optimizing results with urinalysis dipsticks. From: Medical Laboratory Observer | Date: June 1, 1994| Author: Brigden, Malcolm L.; Leadbeater, Ann | COPYRIGHT 1994 Nelson Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Dipstick urinalysis is a common procedure in many of today's clinical laboratories. However, laboratory technicians should always keep in mind that the reliability and efficacy of the dipstick cannot be taken for granted. Many factors, such as the freshness of the urine specimen, specific gravity, ph levels and glucose content can affect the accuracy of readings. Several tips on how to use the dipstick effectively are presented.

Urine dipsticks have been used for so long that we somet...