https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/nonclinical-discussions/22860/can-anyone-help-ideas Hi, I wondered if anyone could help with a fail-safe dipstick technique? I failed this on my practicals (I know!) one said I did not cover the pads with urine (very odd! seems almost made up as it goes without saying that I obviously did do this,en-USTelligent Community 10https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/thread/146347?ContentTypeID=1Thu, 26 Sep 2013 20:18:47 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:7db400b8-3603-469e-bbc9-723560396c88Lisa Goodship<p>if the dipstick is to be read at different time intervals then they are usually set out in a way on the pad that the bottom one is read first - say 15 secs&nbsp;and then continuing your way up the dipstick to the top which is read last - 60 secs.&nbsp; They usually have the time the pad needs to be read after next to the test. so I usually hold the dipstick in one hand - colour change indicator in the other, set for time for 1 min - writing down as the time expires per test stripe, sometimes a few tests are read at the same time - but you have time to check all and write down as you go.</p> <p>hope that makes sense and not insulting you.</p> <p>when applying urine with dipstick I dropped a spot of urine on each pad - then turned to the side to tap off excess - this helps to prevent colour run from one pad to another and ensures all covered.</p> <p>I used to say out loud what I was doing - just to reassure myself and then the examiner can also here what you are doing or trying to achieve and if you do something wrong - tell them so they understand you know - it may help!!</p> <p>Exams yes very frustrating - great that you get feedback, so you know where to improve - but i&#39;m at a loss of what you can do - sorry.</p> <p>good luck and keep up the hard work</p><div style="clear:both;"></div>