Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 46%

Which of the following conditions is a cause for specimen rejection for a routine urinalysis?

Rationale

Urine specimen container is missing a preservative.

The absence of a preservative in a urine specimen can lead to changes in the chemical composition and cellular elements, potentially compromising the accuracy of the urinalysis results. Preservatives help maintain the stability of the sample by preventing microbial growth and chemical alterations.

A (Urine specimen volume is 6 mL.) YOUR ANSWER

A specimen volume of 6 mL is generally sufficient for routine urinalysis. While larger volumes are preferred, a minimum of 5-10 mL is typically acceptable for testing, thus this condition does not warrant specimen rejection.

B (Urine specimen temperature is 23° C (73.4° F).) YOUR ANSWER

A temperature of 23° C falls within a reasonable range for urine specimens, especially if it is collected and transported shortly after voiding. While temperature can affect certain test results, this condition alone does not constitute a reason for rejection.

D (Urine specimen is amber and turbid.) YOUR ANSWER

Amber color and turbidity can indicate various conditions, such as dehydration or the presence of substances like bacteria or crystals. However, these characteristics do not automatically lead to rejection; they may simply require further investigation or additional testing.

Conclusion

In routine urinalysis, maintaining specimen integrity is crucial for accurate results. The lack of a preservative in the specimen container is the only condition listed that directly compromises the reliability of the test. Other choices, while potentially indicative of underlying issues, do not meet the criteria for specimen rejection. Ensuring proper handling and preservation of urine specimens is essential for effective laboratory analysis and patient care.

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