Recording-2025-03-24T23:32:09.537Z

Overview of Medical Assistant Role in Urinary and Digestive System Testing

• Importance of Knowing Urinary and Digestive Systems

  • Brush up on these systems for foundational knowledge.

  • Understand tests ordered and diseases providers want to rule out.

  • Familiarize with abbreviations relevant to urine and stool testing.

Common Abbreviations to Know

• CC: Clean Catch

• CCMS: Clean Catch Midstream

• UA: Urinalysis

• UTI: Urinary Tract Infection

• FOBT: Fecal Occult Blood Test

• O&P: Ova and Parasites

• UCNS / Urine CNS: Urine Culture and Sensitivity

Handling Urine Specimens

• Precautions: Always wash hands and use PPE (gloves, masks).

• Disposal: Use biohazard bags for contaminated materials.

• Specimen Collection:

  • Use a labeled specimen cup.

  • Information to include on label:

    • Patient name

    • Date of birth

    • Urine specimen type

    • Your initials and credentials

    • Date and time

• Instructions for Patients:

  • Avoid mixtures (like water) in the specimen cup.

  • Don’t discard any substances in containers unless specified.

  • Urine samples need refrigeration if not tested shortly (within an hour).

Types of Urine Specimens

• Random Urine Specimen:

  • Most common; collected anytime during the day.

• First Morning Urine Specimen:

  • Collected at home upon waking; high concentration of substances.

• Clean Catch Midstream:

  • Requires cleaning of genitalia and stopping stream briefly before collecting in cup.

• Timed Urine Specimen:

  • Measures output over a specified time frame (e.g., 6-24 hrs).

• 24-Hour Urine Specimen:

  • Collected to analyze various substances over a full day.

Catheterization

• Reasons for Catheterization:

  • Urinary retention, measuring residual urine, obtaining samples.

• Types of Catheters:

  • Foley Catheter: Indwelling catheter in place for a duration.

  • Straight Catheter: Temporary for immediate collection.

• Infection Risk: Catheterization is invasive and requires sterile techniques.

Questions Related to Bladder Control

• For Males: Inquire about symptoms like dribbling or issues related to enlarged prostate.

• For Females: Ask about incontinence episodes related to activities like sneezing or coughing.

Urine Analysis

• Purpose: Provides insight into general health and detects abnormalities (e.g., UTI, kidney disease).

  • Components: Physical, Chemical, and Microscopic.

Physical Examination

• Characteristics to Observe:

  • Color (normal is pale/yellow), cloudiness, and odor.

• Normal Output: Ranges from 600 to 1800 mL per 24 hours.

Common Issues in Urination

• Oliguria: Less than 400 mL/day, often seen in kidney failure.

• Polyuria: Excessive urination.

• Anuria: Absence of urine, typically indicating severe kidney issues.

Chemical Examination

• Key Elements to Test:

  • Specific gravity (measures solute concentration).

  • Presence of ketone bodies, glucose, bilirubin, leukocytes, nitrites, nitrates, etc.

• Common Findings:

  • Presence of glucose (glycosuria) is typical in diabetes.

  • Nitrites can indicate bacterial infections while leukocytes may suggest UTIs.

Stool Testing

• FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test): Used for colorectal cancer screening.

• Stool Cultures: Conducted to determine bacterial infections in the intestines.

• O&P Test: Checks for parasites (e.g., Trichomonas vaginalis).

• Specimen Collection:

  • Instruct patients to avoid mixing stool with toilet water or urine.

  • Recommend using toilet hats or Saran wrap for collection.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Ensure proper specimen labeling, collection, and patient instructions.

• Maintain hygiene and safety standards while handling biological specimens.

• Document all relevant information accurately in the patient's chart, including lab slips and instructions provided to the patient.