How should you assess for contamination in urine testing and what action is taken if contamination is suspected?

How should you assess for contamination in urine testing and what action is taken if contamination is suspected?

• A. Look for squamous cells or mixed flora; if contaminated, request a fresh specimen
• B. Contamination is not detectable by analysis
• C. Ignore contamination and interpret the results normally
• D. Contamination is only an issue for blood samples

Answer: (A)

In urine testing, contamination is assessed by examining the urine sediment for squamous epithelial cells and mixed flora. These findings suggest the sample picked up skin or vaginal/urethral flora rather than reflecting true bladder urine. If contamination is suspected, the best course is to request a fresh specimen, typically a clean-catch midstream sample (or a sterile specimen if catheterization is used). This helps ensure accurate culture results and interpretation, since contamination can skew counts and lead to misleading conclusions. Contamination can be detected by analysis, is not limited to blood samples, and ignoring it would compromise the test’s accuracy.

In urine testing, contamination is assessed by examining the urine sediment for squamous epithelial cells and mixed flora. These findings suggest the sample picked up skin or vaginal/urethral flora rather than reflecting true bladder urine. If contamination is suspected, the best course is to request a fresh specimen, typically a clean-catch midstream sample (or a sterile specimen if catheterization is used). This helps ensure accurate culture results and interpretation, since contamination can skew counts and lead to misleading conclusions. Contamination can be detected by analysis, is not limited to blood samples, and ignoring it would compromise the test’s accuracy.