Urine Examination (Wet Prep) - Practical Task

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:34:58 GMT

Current Revision posted to Revision Guide For Student Nurses - Part 2 by Arlo Guthrie on 4/20/2009 1:34:58 PM

INTRODUCTION
The microscopic examination of urine may be extremely useful in aiding or confirming a diagnosis. The wet preparation technique is a quick and simple method ideal for the identification of crystals, casts and mucus strands.

EQUIPMENT

Protective apron and gloves.
Fresh urine sample.
Centrifuge tubes.
Pasteur pipette.
Centrifuge.
Sedistain (optional).
Microscope slides.
Pencil to label slides.
Cover slips.
Microscope.

METHOD

Put on your protective apron and gloves, and ensure that long hair is tied back and any jewellery removed.
Ensure that you have a flat, clean, dry surface upon which to work.
Check the microscope and centrifuge for safety - paying particular attention to the plug and electrical cable.
Ensure that the urine sample is in a clean, tightly sealed container, and shake to re-suspend any deposits.
Pipette urine into 2 centrifuge tubes, filling them about two thirds full (2 tubes are required in order to balance the centrifuge, although water may be used for one if there is only a very small sample available to test).
Spin the urine at 2000rpm for 5 minutes.
Remove most of the supernatant carefully with a pipette (pouring off the supernatant may be easier, but take care not to dislodge the sediment).
Add 1-2 drops of Sedistain if required.
Shake vigorously - again to re-suspend the deposits.
Label the microscope slide/s.
Pipette 1 drop of the suspension onto the slide.
Place a cover slip onto the slide.
Switch on the microscope and select the x10 objective, a fairly dim illumination improves visualisation (ensure that the condenser is down and the iris diaphragm partially closed.
Select the x40 objective; note the presence of any crystals, casts or strands.