Parent & Patient Information System 06/09/2015 Page16 / 51 Chapter 4 - Diagnotic Tools Used in Pediatric Urology Laboratory tests 1.1 Urinalysis Urinalysis is used from very old times for diagnosis of several diseases. Although, it provides very useful information, in cases of inadequate sample collection or improper analysis may give erroneous results. It is usually wanted by your doctors in cases of probable urinary tract infection. However, besides this, it also gives information about the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, microorganisms, glucose (sugar), cells lining the urinary system, status of acidity (urinary pH) and density (SG: specific gravity). Collection method of urine specimen shows difference regarding the age groups. In children who are toilette trained, it can be collected in a clean container as a midstream sample (some urine is voided and sample is taken at the middle of voiding). In small children, urine bags covering the external urethral meatus (most outer part of the urethra) may be used, but it is sometimes difficult to hold this bag in place or to prevent contamination with the stool. In these cases, urine sample may be obtained by urethral catheterization or suprapubic puncture (taking the urine directly from bladder at a level below than umbilicus by a very thin needle). The macroscopic appearance of urine may give clues about the disease. Several drugs may cause changes in urine color. Red color mostly is a finding of presence of blood in urine which may be caused by several diseases. Turbidity in urine may be a sign of infection or the presence of large amounts of amorph phosphate crystals. Density (specific gravity) of urine may be between 1003 and 1030. It gives information about the secretion of a hormone (anti-diuretic hormone) which regulates the water amount of the body. Also, specific gravity reflects the status of oral intake of water. Dipsticks are strips that have several indicators on it. By this strip, we can have a quick evaluation of urine in terms of the acidity of urine, contents of protein, glucose, hemoglobin, presence of red and white blood cells, bacteria, leukocyte esterases and nitrites. All these
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