RMA Urinalysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A specimen has a positive leukocyte esterase result. What does this indicate?
- Presence of white blood cells (Correct answer)
- High urine glucose
- Liver dysfunction
- Dehydration
Correct answer: Presence of white blood cells
Leukocyte esterase is released by white blood cells, suggesting inflammation or infection.
Question 2: Which crystal type is commonly seen in acidic urine and shaped like an envelope?
- Calcium oxalate (Correct answer)
- Triple phosphate
- Ammonium biurate
- Cystine
Correct answer: Calcium oxalate
Calcium oxalate crystals appear as envelope-shaped structures in acidic urine.
Question 3: When should a urine specimen be refrigerated if testing is delayed?
- If it cannot be tested within one hour (Correct answer)
- Only if it appears cloudy
- Only for pediatric samples
- Refrigeration is never needed
Correct answer: If it cannot be tested within one hour
Specimens not tested within one hour should be refrigerated to preserve their integrity.
Question 4: A high specific gravity reading on a reagent strip most likely indicates what?
- Concentrated urine from dehydration (Correct answer)
- Excess water intake
- Kidney failure with fixed dilution
- Presence of bacteria
Correct answer: Concentrated urine from dehydration
High specific gravity reflects concentrated urine, often from dehydration.
Question 5: Which structure seen during microscopic exam forms in the renal tubules and indicates kidney involvement?
- Casts (Correct answer)
- Squamous epithelial cells
- Yeast
- Mucus threads
Correct answer: Casts
Casts form within renal tubules and signal kidney pathology when present.
Question 6: A positive bilirubin result on a reagent strip suggests a problem with which organ?
- Liver (Correct answer)
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Bladder
Correct answer: Liver
Bilirubin in urine often indicates liver disease or bile duct obstruction.
Question 7: Why must reagent strip bottles be kept tightly capped with the desiccant inside?
- Moisture degrades the reactive pads (Correct answer)
- Light makes them glow
- Heat changes the cap color
- To prevent spilling
Correct answer: Moisture degrades the reactive pads
Moisture exposure deteriorates reagent pads and produces inaccurate results.
RMA Urinalysis 3
A specimen has a positive leukocyte esterase result.
What does this indicate?