Urinalysis: Performing QC on the Criterion II

Summary

This video demonstrates the process of running quality control (QC) checks on a urinalysis chemistry analyzer. The presenter explains the importance of calibrating the analyzer, followed by performing QC to ensure accurate and reliable results. Different QC levels, including normal and abnormal, are used to test the analyzer’s functionality. The process involves aliquoting samples, using dipsticks to measure key urine parameters like protein, glucose, and bilirubin, and interpreting the results. The video highlights the analyzer’s efficiency and concludes with a successful QC run, ensuring the machine is ready for patient testing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Calibration ensures the analyzer's data is aligned with known standards, helping determine if results will be accurate.
• 😀 After calibration, Quality Control (QC) testing is essential to confirm the analyzer is working mechanically and computationally.
• 😀 QC is performed at the start of a shift, after calibration, following maintenance, or when troubleshooting issues.
• 😀 External QC solutions have two levels: Level 1 (normal) and Level 2 (abnormal), used to test the analyzer's performance.
• 😀 QC solutions must be aliquoted into labeled tubes and dated to ensure accuracy, with extra care to avoid deterioration over time.
• 😀 Troubleshooting involves re-running original QC if issues arise and using fresh QC bottles if necessary.
• 😀 Urinalysis strips measure a variety of parameters like specific gravity, pH, leukocyte esterase, nitrate, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, and blood.
• 😀 The analyzer detects substances like glucose and ketones in the urine based on specific thresholds, helping diagnose conditions like diabetes or fat metabolism.
• 😀 Bilirubin in the urine gives a yellow-brown color, indicating liver issues and can be linked to conditions like jaundice.
• 😀 The process includes dipping the strip into the QC solution, wiping excess liquid off, and inserting it into the analyzer for automated measurement.
• 😀 Results are visually compared against known color thresholds, with abnormal results triggering additional checks or maintenance if necessary.

Q & A

What is the purpose of calibration in the chemist or urinalysis chemistry analyzer?

Calibration ensures that the analyzer's computer system can accurately determine if a result is correct, and it also verifies that the analyzer itself is mechanically working properly.

Why is it important to run quality control (QC) after calibration?

Running QC after calibration ensures that the analyzer is functioning correctly and that the calibration is valid, which helps confirm the accuracy of the results.

When should QC be run during routine procedures?

QC should be run at the beginning of a shift, after calibration, when troubleshooting an issue, or after replacing or maintaining critical parts of the analyzer.

What is the difference between QC level 1 and QC level 2?

QC level 1 typically represents normal urine chemistry, while QC level 2 represents abnormal urine chemistry, with level 2 often indicating conditions like bilirubin presence.

What should be done if the aliquoted QC deteriorates over time?

If the aliquoted QC deteriorates, it should be re-run from the original bottles or replaced with fresh QC to ensure accuracy.

How is QC typically aliquoted for use in testing?

QC is aliquoted from squeeze bottles into labeled tubes, with the best practice being to date and initial the aliquots to track their use.

What does a change in urine color indicate during QC testing?

A change in urine color can indicate the presence of specific components like bilirubin, which gives an amber color in abnormal urine, suggesting an abnormal chemistry.

What does the leukocyte esterase test detect in urine?

Leukocyte esterase detects an enzyme released from white blood cells (WBCs) and is often positive when there is a bacterial infection in the urine, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Why would protein be detected in urine during testing?

Protein detection in urine may indicate damage to the glomerulus, a critical part of the kidney that filters blood.

What is the role of glucose in urine analysis?

Glucose in urine suggests that blood glucose levels are above the renal threshold, meaning the kidneys are not reabsorbing glucose efficiently, often due to high blood glucose levels.

What is the significance of the presence of ketones in urine?

Ketones in urine indicate fat breakdown for energy, which occurs when glucose is not available, such as in cases of uncontrolled diabetes or starvation.

What does the analyzer do once the test strip is inserted?

Once the strip is inserted into the analyzer, it measures the color changes over a specified internal time and generates results based on those measurements.