Urinalysis, by dip stick or tablet reagent for bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen, any number of these constituents; non-automated, with microscopy
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Urinalysis, by dip stick or tablet reagent for bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen, any number of these constituents; non-automated, with microscopy.
Summary
Urinalysis is a diagnostic test used to analyze a patient's urine sample for various chemical compounds, cells, and other substances. This test can help detect and manage a range of medical conditions.
Purpose
Urinalysis helps identify diseases or conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. It aims to detect abnormalities in urine composition and guide further medical treatment.
Indications
- Symptoms like frequent urination, pain during urination, or blood in urine.
- Monitoring of known medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
- Routine check-up in physical examinations.
Preparation
- No special preparation required for the patient.
- Patients may be advised to collect the midstream of the first urine in the morning.
- Avoid contamination from the genital area.
Procedure Description
- The patient collects a urine sample in a sterile container.
- A healthcare professional uses a dip stick with chemical reagent pads to dip in the urine.
- The dip stick will change color in the presence of certain substances like glucose, ketones, or proteins.
- Results are compared with a color chart.
- If any abnormality is detected, the sample is further examined under a microscope to identify cells, crystals, and other substances.
Duration
The entire process generally takes about 10-15 minutes.
Setting
The procedure is usually performed in outpatient clinics, doctors' offices, or laboratories.
Personnel
- Medical Laboratory Technicians or Technologists
- Nurses or Medical Assistants
- Physicians may review or interpret results.
Risks and Complications
- Minimal to no risks associated with providing a urine sample.
- Rare, but sample contamination can lead to inaccurate results.
Benefits
- Quick and simple test that provides immediate results.
- Can diagnose multiple conditions from a single sample.
Recovery
- No recovery time is required.
- Patients can return to normal activities immediately after providing the sample.
Alternatives
- Blood tests for similar markers.
- Imaging tests like ultrasound for anatomical problems.
- Pros: Blood tests may provide additional details.
- Cons: Blood tests are more invasive and time-consuming.
Patient Experience
- The patient will experience minimal discomfort, typically only needing to provide a urine sample.
Clear instructions will be provided to ensure comfort and accuracy during sample collection.
Pain management and comfort are generally not an issue given the non-invasive nature of the urinalysis.