A standard dipstick urinalysis includes:
A Specific gravity
B hCG level
C Red blood cell count
D Potassium level
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A) Specific gravity.
A dipstick urinalysis is a quick and commonly used test to screen for various conditions by analyzing a urine sample. It involves using a plastic strip embedded with small, chemically treated pads. When dipped in urine, these pads react and change color in response to the presence of specific substances, providing a basic, semi-quantitative analysis.
Components of a Dipstick Urinalysis
Typically, a standard dipstick urinalysis tests for several elements, including:
- Specific Gravity – Measures the concentration of solutes in urine, indicating hydration status. A high specific gravity suggests dehydration or conditions like kidney disease, while a low specific gravity may indicate excessive fluid intake or conditions affecting kidney function.
- pH Level – Indicates acidity or alkalinity, which can suggest certain infections, diet effects, or metabolic conditions.
- Protein – Its presence may indicate kidney issues, especially when chronic, since healthy kidneys typically filter protein out.
- Glucose – Usually absent in urine, its presence can be a marker for diabetes.
- Ketones – May suggest ketoacidosis, which can occur with uncontrolled diabetes or starvation.
- Blood – Indicates potential kidney trauma, stones, infections, or other urinary tract issues.
- Nitrite and Leukocyte Esterase – Suggest bacterial infections, as many bacteria convert nitrate to nitrite, while leukocyte esterase indicates white blood cells, signaling inflammation or infection.
Exclusions from Standard Dipstick Urinalysis
- hCG Level: This hormone, typically associated with pregnancy, requires a separate, specific test not covered in a basic dipstick urinalysis.
- Red Blood Cell Count: While blood presence can be detected, a specific RBC count requires microscopic or lab analysis.
- Potassium Level: Electrolyte levels like potassium are measured through blood tests rather than urinalysis.
In summary, specific gravity is an essential aspect of a dipstick urinalysis, offering insights into kidney function and hydration status, and is included in all standard urine dipstick panels.