6 Areas that will change your urinalysis!
6 Areas That'll Make a Big Difference with Your Urinalysis
1. Test strips
Budget constraints sometimes means we are pushed towards the cheapest offering; however, all things are not equal when it comes to test strips. The reading scales and timing differ between brands – and small differences can make the difference when interpreting results. Look for one with a parallel printed scale that matches the spacing on the pads of the strip for easier result reading. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s storage recommendations, as some brands can only be used for a short while after first opening – requiring you to discard unused strips, whereas higher quality brands typically can be used right up to the expiry date. Errors occur because the lid has been left off, it’s more important than you think to keep the lid on.
2. Staff Training
A little training time goes a long way. An investment in a staff training package does not have to be difficult to manage and will ensure that regular updates on urinalysis techniques are delivered effectively. Many errors are not because of faulty strips or devices but because of user error. Quick Guides, Videos and E-Learning packages are simple yet effective!
3. Ascorbic Acid protected test strips
There is a high rate of false-negative dipstick results for haemoglobin in patients with high vitamin C in the urine. Using a strip that is Ascorbic Acid protected will ensure that results can be relied upon to be accurate. A Study on the High Incidence of Ascorbic Acid in the Urine in a West Coast Population highlights this clearly.
4. Quality Controls
Employing a 3rd party Control can identify issues with techniques as well as machinery (if used). A Control that is suitable for both urinalysis and hCG can reduce costs and increase efficiency.
QCs offers an added layer of patient security and confidence in procedures. Ditch Controls that need reconstituting, adopting a ready to use liquid Control that your staff can use with ease will mean they save time are more likely to use them.
5. Automated strip reading
A connected system will ensure that results are interpreted correctly, and abnormal results are flagged up. A good system will also ensure results are reported back to your POCT team and will ensure that safety features such as QC lockout and Operator and patient id are an integral feature. Your team will use QCs and Operators will be managed effectively.
6. Unified Approach
All departments and wards if left to their own devices will all administer a slightly different approach and can cause a purchasing and management headache. By streamlining the system with one test strip, QC and reader will ensure that costs are reduced. Research has shown that looking at the whole Trust can offer quite phenomenal savings as well as improving efficiency and patient safety.
For support with your Urinalysis Sterilab Services can help you with all the above, we offer the complete solution including test strips, QCs and connected readers all of which are supported by our specialist trainers. Quick Guides, Videos and an interactive -learning package can be supplied and adapted to suit.
Whether you are looking for test strips with ascorbic Acid protection or an automated connected reader get in touch. The Urilyzer 100 Pro is well respected by nurses with full POCT management features. It flags up abnormal results in red and prints onto sticky paper to attach to patient notes.
Our test strips the CombiScreen 11 range offer Ascorbic Acid protection and a parallel reading scale on the label (for visual reading) .
For more information, get in touch with Sterilab Services: sales@sterilab.co.uk or call 01423 523 300