Miscellaneous Urine and Body Fluid Tests

Explain what is detected in a pregnancy test and what may affect test results

Detects beta-human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (β-hCG)

Pregnancy testing can be done on blood or urine.  

• Blood levels detected earlier and are more constant

• Urine levels vary depending upon the state of hydration(first morning specimen or one that has SpGr > 1.015)

False results can occur with

• large amounts of blood

• protein

• bacterial contamination

What is the most popular pregnancy test?

Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) are the most popular tests

Explain the importance of testing for urine eosinophils. What is the procedure?

• Seen in drug induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)

• Eosinophils increase when there is a allergic reaction

Urine sediment + albumin is cytocentrifuged

• Air dry

• Wright’s stain to identify any cells present

Describe testing of middle ear effusions

Composed of mucus glycoproteins, protein, lipid and inflammatory substances.

Caused by

• anatomical factors

• obstruction of the Eustachian tubes

• ear infections

• allergic reactions

• impaired immunologic status

Describe the procedure for collection of vitreous fluid. (eye). What are we looking for when testing?

• Collected by vitrectomy

• Done for severe infection

Diabetic retinopathy

• Specific proteins analyzed

Malignancies

• Flow cytometry studies for T-cells to establish the presence of infiltrates

Retinal detachment

• May have higher levels of certain amino acids than normal vitreous fluid.

What can saliva be tested for?

Saliva is being tested more frequently for HIV