Skill 10: URINE DIPSTICK

Task : Perform a urine dipstick for protein or glucose on a given

urine specimen correctly.
Satisfactory completion of task : when all relevant aspects of the task ,
governed by the following criteria , are demonstrated :
● adequate preparation of the patient and tools for the procedure
● conduct of the procedure adheres strictly to principles of Standard
Precautions
● consideration of patient safety and comfort
● adequate documentation of the procedure
● recognition of limitations

Checklist

Expected Steps

1 Inform patient of the procedure

2 Wash hands

3 Wear gloves

4 Urine Collection

1. Label the urine container ( not on the lid )

2. Freshly voided urine in a clean container

3. A first morning specimen of urine preferred

4. Test the urine immediately after voiding

5. Urine in the container should be sufficient enough to allow

complete dipping of the reagent strip areas

5 Urine Dipstick Testing Steps

1. Check expiry date of the test strip

2. Remove a test strip from the bottle of urine dipsticks

3. Recap the bottle before proceeding

IMU CSSC CS Student’s checklist ( Competency Profile March 2013 )

 4. Gently swirl the urine container in order to thoroughly mix the urine

5. Immerse the test pad into the urine sample and remove it
immediately.

6. Drag the edge of the strip against the container rim to remove
excess urine

Start timing ( 30sec for glucose and 60 sec for protein )

9. Hold the strip close to the color blocks and match

carefully

10. Compare each test pad to the corresponding row

of color blocks on the bottle label

11 Read each pad at the time shown on the label

starting with the shortest time

12. Read the pad in good light

8 Dispose urine sample in the toilet

9 Discard used test strips and urine container in a approved biohazard bag--

11 Remove used gloves

12 Wash hands thoroughly

13 Document and report results

Note: Attachments

1. Interpretation chart for Urine Dipstick Results

2. Limitations and Interferences

IMU CSSC CS Student’s checklist ( Competency Profile March ) 2