Synonyms: UA

CPT 4 Code: 81001

Test Order Mnemonic: UA

Test Includes: Gross description; qualitative urine chemistry for pH, protein, glucose, ketone, bilirubin, blood, urobilinogen, leukocyte esterase and nitrite; specific gravity; and microscopic exam of urinary sediment

Lab: Clinical Chemistry

Request Form: Routine Chemistry Form 1

Collection: Preferred: Fresh early A.M. mid-stream specimen after overnight fasting; Acceptable: Random urine

Storage Instructions: A fresh voiding should be examined within 1 hour, or it should be refrigerated (2-8°C).

Causes for Rejection: Specimens contaminated with feces or less than 1 mL of urine.

Availability: Samples are received 24 hours per day at Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: Routine: 4 hours; STAT: 1 hour

Special Instructions: If the specimen is not fresh or has not been kept refrigerated, bacterial growth will occur & result in "ammoniacal" alkaline urine with resultant degeneration of casts and cells. Glycolysis also results in false low glucose findings.

Specimen: Urine

Volume: 20 mL

Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Container: Disposable, 4.5 oz sterile specimen container or plain tube.

Reference Ranges: pH: 5-8, Protein, Glucose, Ketones, Bilirubin, Blood, Nitrite, Bacteria: Negative, Urobilinogen: 0-0.2 EU/DL., Specific Gravity: 1.003-1.030, RBC: 0-3 /HPF, WBC: 0-5/HPF, Hyaline Casts: 0-2 /LPF

Critical Values: RBC Cast: Any present

Test Method: ChemStrip; Microscopy

Reviewed/revised April 2007 by P. Harris