Article: Stick 'em up: optimizing results with urinalysis dipsticks.

Urine dipsticks have been used for so long that we sometimes take results for granted and neglect QC. But QC measures are becoming increasingly important as "dipstick only" screening is being suggested for certain patients.

ROUTINE URINALYSIS has been defined by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards as "the testing of urine with procedures commonly performed in an expeditious, reliable, and cost-effective manner in clinical laboratories."[1] The fact that dipstick urinalysis is now routine does not suggest indiscriminate use. Like any other, this test should be used prudently.

Today's routine urinalysis commonly consists of:

* The ...

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