VITA-TECH provides a broad offering of urine tests including urine bile acid/creatinine ratios, urine cortisol/creatinine ratios, Bence-Jones proteins and albumin (microalbuminaria). If you're logged-on to the website, please click the link in the blue box at the right of this page for a complete listing of our offerings. Login.

A Urinalysis at VITA-TECH is composed of:

1. a dipstick evaluation and,
2. a microscopic evaluation of urine sediments.

The dipstick component is similar to that performed in clinic, however VITA-TECH results are obtained via an automated reader, which allows for improved consistency. Microscopy is also performed to evaluate urine sediment. As with hematology, any unusual findings on analysis are referred to a pathologist for evaluation at no additional charge.

Concern often arises as to proper handling and shipping of urine samples to ensure accurate results. VITA-TECH recommends stored samples be kept refrigerated to best preserve the physical and chemical properties of the sample and to prevent distortion of any sediment. Refrigeration also controls bacterial overgrowth.

While long delays in processing can lead to artifactual changes, refrigerated samples processed within 24 hours of collection will provide valid results.

• Time and storage temperature do not have a statistically significant effect on specific gravity as measured by refractometer.
• Time and temperature do not have a statistically significant effect on pH when measured by pH meter, provided that chemical preservatives are not added to the sample (Do NOT add formalin). PH is approximate to 0.5 units when using a dipstick.
• Refrigeration for longer than 24 hours may result in statistically significant increases in false positives when measuring protein.
• No significant changes in glucose are noted when samples are stored for 24 hours (refrigerated). Improperly stored dipsticks may give false positive results.
• No significant changes are noted when evaluating ketones in samples stored for 24 hours (refrigerated).
• In vitro crystal formation does occur in stored urine samples, whether refrigerated or stored at room temperature. Both calcium oxalate and magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) crystals can form in vitro, although both are not known to form in the same sample. Specimens providing positive results for crystalluria should be confirmed with examination of a fresh sample.
• Casts, erythrocytes, leukocytes and bacterial counts determined by microscopy remain reliable for 24 hours after collection when refrigerated.