Urine Collection and Specimens (Introduction through Chapter 6)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts about urine collection, specimen types, techniques, and handling.

Urine

The ultrafiltrate of plasma used to evaluate kidney status and monitor metabolic processes.

Fluid biopsy of the kidney

Urine provides a noninvasive snapshot of renal health, reflecting filtration and excretory processes.

Solutes in urine

Electrolytes, glucose, and protein; their amounts depend on activity level, health, and diet.

Urine volume

The amount of urine produced, an important factor in analysis.

Indications for urine testing

Aid in diagnosis, screening for asymptomatic diseases, monitoring progression and therapy.

First morning specimen

Urine collected after about eight hours in the bladder, upon waking; typically concentrated.

Random specimen

Urine collected at any time; most common type; used for routine screening.

Timed specimen

Urine collected over a defined interval (e.g., 2 h, 12 h, 24 h) to assess excretion over time.

24-hour collection

Whole-day urine collection stored in a large jug to capture daily excretion.

Nitrates in urine

Bacteria breakdown products; presence can indicate a bacterial infection.

Protein in urine

Proteinuria; presence of protein that may indicate kidney disease or other conditions.

Epithelial cells in urine

Urinary tract epithelial cells; high numbers can indicate contamination or be expected in concentrated samples; relevant for cytology.

Cytology in urine

Microscopic examination of urinary sediment to assess cellular content.

Midstream clean catch

Urine collection method to minimize skin contamination; collect after starting to urinate.

Catheterized specimen

Urine collected via sterile catheter inserted through the urethra into the bladder; reduces contamination.

Suprapubic aspiration

Urine collected via needle through the abdomen into the bladder; reduces contamination; used for certain cultures.

Pediatric urine collection

Methods for children include PD bags or hats; challenging due to compliance and risk of contamination.

PD bag

Perineal collection bag placed around the genital area; checked frequently to obtain adequate volume.

Hats (urine collection)

Diaper or potty training method to collect urine; convenient but higher contamination risk.

Drug specimen collection

Urine collection with chain of custody; can be observed or unobserved; requires extensive documentation.

Chain of custody

Documentation of every step and person handling the drug specimen to ensure integrity.

Creatinine

Test to confirm the sample is urine and to detect substitution or adulteration.

Refrigeration

Urine samples should be tested within two hours or refrigerated to preserve integrity.

Glucose tolerance test (urine collection)

Urine collected during glucose tolerance testing alongside blood sampling to assess glucose metabolism.

Circadian/diurnal variation

Natural daily rhythms that affect urine excretion and test results.