Urinalysis (cont.)
Medical Author:
Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH
Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPHDr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Pros and Cons of DipsticksThe main advantage of the urine dipstick test is that it is a convenient and rapid test. The results are usually determined within a few minutes after collecting the sample. Therefore, it is very useful in settings such emergency departments, urgent care facilities, or the doctor's office. It is also very cost effective and does not require special training to perform the test. However, the dipstick may not be very accurate as the color changes are very time sensitive. For example, if the dipstick is not promptly analyzed as it is taken out of the urine sample, then the color changes may be inaccurate after more than a few minutes of exposure to urine. The information that urine dipstick provides may also be limited, as it is generally a qualitative test and not a quantitative one. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Urinalysis
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsUrinalysis - DiagnosisThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What did your urinalysis help diagnose? |
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