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Urine Analysis - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 15:44, 7 January 2015
, 15:44, 7 January 2015→Glucose
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Urine Analysis can be a quick and inexpensive method to determine abnormalities in a patient.
Urine Analysis can be a quick and inexpensive method to determine abnormalities in a patient.
==Techniques==
==Techniques==
Urine samples should be processed by noting their gross appearance, testing with a urinary dipstick, mesuring the specific gravity with a refractometer and by microscopic examination.
Urine samples should be processed by noting their gross appearance, testing with a urinary dipstick, measuring the specific gravity with a refractometer and by microscopic examination.
Many of the measured parameters will be adversely affected by time, so prompt assessment of urine samples is essential for accuracy.
==Gross Appearance==
==Gross Appearance==
===Colour===
In the majority of the domestic species the urine should be yellow in colour. The colour of the urine is very dependant on the specific gravity so it is important to account for this. If the urine is more concentrated it will be darker in colour and visa versa as a general rule . Equine urine can become brown if left standing. Discoloured urine should be taken into consideration when carrying out tests which involve a colour change such as dipsticks. The abnormal urine colour could affect the result.
===Turbidity===
If the urine is not clear then this could indicate a variety of pathological states. In the horse it is normal for it to be turbid due the mucous secreted in the renal pelvis and proximal ureters.
===Odour===
It is normal for urine to have a slight odour from the ammonia. The odour increases with concentration and in some species such as the cat a pungent urine is normal. However a strong smelling urine could indicate a pathological state such as an active bacterial infection.
==Specific Gravity==
==Specific Gravity==
Urine specific gravity (USG) is measured using a refractometer calibrated for veterinary use. It must additionally be calibrated on each use using water which must match the water line on the refractometer read out prior to measuring USG, as reftractometer measurement is sensative to room temperature. Adjustments are made using the screw on the top of the refratcometer - take care not to get this screw wet when cleaning the reftractometer.
Urine specific gravity (USG) is measured using a refractometer calibrated for veterinary use. It must additionally be calibrated on each use using water which must match the water line on the refractometer read-out prior to measuring USG, as refractometer measurement is sensitive to room temperature. Adjustments are made using the screw on the top of the refractometer - take care not to get this screw wet when cleaning the refractometer.
Specific gravity relates to the urine concentration. It is basically a measure of the density of particles in the urine.
Specific gravity relates to the urine concentration. It is basically a measure of the density of particles in the urine.
<TR>
<TR>
<TD><center>Dog</center></TD>
<TD><center>Dog</center></TD>
<TD><center>1.016-1.060</center></TD>
<TD><center>1.016-1.040</center></TD>
</TR>
</TR>
<TR>
<TR>
<TD BGCOLOR="#C1f0f6"><center>Cat</center></TD>
<TD BGCOLOR="#C1f0f6"><center>Cat</center></TD>
<TD BGCOLOR="#C1f0f6"><center>1.020-1.040</center></TD>
<TD BGCOLOR="#C1f0f6"><center>1.020-1.060</center></TD>
</TR>
</TR>
<TR>
<TR>
===Glucose===
===Glucose===
The presence of glucose in the urine is termed glucosuria and occurs when the level of glucose reaches the [[Reabsorption and Secretion Along the Proximal Tubule - Anatomy & Physiology#Glucose|renal threshold]] for glucose reabsorption. It is not normal to find glucose in the urine.
The presence of glucose in the urine is termed glucosuria and occurs when the level of glucose reaches the [[Reabsorption and Secretion Along the Proximal Tubule - Anatomy & Physiology#Glucose|renal threshold]] for glucose reabsorption. It is not normal to find glucose in the urine. Glucose is usually not detectable because ketones, ascorbic acid, or other substances found in urine may cause false negative results by reagent strips even when urinary glucose approaches clearly abnormal values.
===Ketones===
===Ketones===
===Blood===
===Blood===
The presence of blood in the urine is not normal and is usually related to a pathological state.
The presence of [[Haematuria|blood in the urine]] is not normal and is usually related to a pathological state.
==Microscopic Examination==
==Microscopic Examination==
Culture on blood agar and CLED (with Andrades indicator - for E coli) plates will help with a speedy diagnosis of causal organisms.
Culture on blood agar and CLED (with Andrades indicator - for E coli) plates will help with a speedy diagnosis of causal organisms.
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[[Category:To Do]]
[[Category:Clinical Pathology]]