ABSTRACT
It is axiomatic that if anything is worth doing, it is worth doing well. This basic concept applies to urine study, and it is particularly important to recognize that if urine study is done well, it will generate good results, whereas if the procedures are not carried out properly, erroneous results may be generated. Throughout history, the proper handling of urine for study has had strong support, but at the same time there have been impressive lapses in proper care. Almost all urine specimens contain few bacteria which are picked up from the external genitalia. When urine is allowed to stand, these organisms grow and their metabolic activity causes many chemical changes in the specimen. There is one reason for carrying out clinical urine study, and that is to obtain important clinical information. The only limitation to providing good handling practices for urine study relates to improper organization, or inadequate appreciation of the significance of various aspects of urine study.
