Correct Answer: testing must be done within 24 hours or the urine must be preserved.
when it comes to collecting urine for testing, several guidelines and practices need to be followed to ensure the accuracy and safety of the process. each statement presented addresses different aspects of these guidelines, but let's evaluate which of them might not be true.
the first statement suggests that "urine is a biohazard and must be treated with universal precautions." this is indeed true. urine can contain pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, which can potentially cause disease. therefore, it must be handled carefully, using gloves and other protective measures to prevent contamination and protect the health of those handling it.
the next statement, "testing must be done within 24 hours or the urine must be preserved," generally holds true for most routine urine tests, which check for things like infection, kidney disease, or diabetes. if urine cannot be tested within 24 hours, preserving it by refrigeration or using chemical preservatives is essential to prevent bacterial overgrowth and chemical changes that can alter the test results.
the third statement, "use dry cups with lids for collection," is also correct. using dry, clean containers with lids is crucial for preventing contamination of the urine sample. containers should be sterile if possible, especially for microbiological tests where contamination could lead to incorrect results.
the fourth statement, "label the container with name, date, and time of collection," is an essential practice in urine collection. proper labeling ensures that the sample is correctly identified with the patient, and the date and time of collection are critical for interpreting the results, especially if factors like preservation or time-sensitive changes in the urine are considered.
the repeated assertion that "testing must be done within one to two hours or the urine must be preserved" conflicts with the earlier statement of a 24-hour window. this assertion is not universally true and may depend on the specific type of test being conducted. for some tests, particularly those analyzing unstable compounds, testing within one to two hours might indeed be necessary unless specific preservatives are used. however, for many routine analyses, the 24-hour rule with proper preservation is standard and acceptable.
in conclusion, the statement that is not true in a general context, and therefore misleading, is the one claiming urine tests must always be conducted within one to two hours unless preserved. this requirement can vary widely depending on the nature of the test and the substances being analyzed. the more accurate general guideline is the 24-hour window for testing with preservation if needed.
|