10.2 Lab Protocol

Approximate Time: 3 hours

Objective: You will observe how your recent liquid intake affects your urine output and results from urinalysis.  Please read all steps carefully before beginning, as additional instructions are provided at the end for your first urine collection.

Reminder: you will need gloves for each urine collection.

Steps

1. Resting Blood Pressure:

• Take and record your resting blood pressure at the beginning and again at the end of the 90-minute period.

2. Prepare Your Urine Collection Cup:

• Obtain a collection cup (red cup) and label it with your name using a Sharpie.
• Store the cup on a folded paper towel at the edge of the lab between collections (do not place it on lab tables).
• After completing these activities, wipe down the storage area and surroundings thoroughly with disinfectant wipes.

3. Baseline Urine Collection (Time Zero):
   • Before drinking, collect a baseline urine sample to establish initial measurements.
   • Record the following baseline characteristics:
   • Time: Note the time of each collection
   • Volume: Measure the volume using a graduated cylinder over the toilet to prevent spills.
   • Color: Choose the description that best fits (e.g., very pale yellow, pale yellow, yellow, golden, dark golden).
   • Odor: Assess and record the odor intensity (very slight, slight, odorous, very odorous).
   • Clarity: Determine if it is clear or cloudy (note if there are “floaties” as an indication of cloudiness).
   • Specific Gravity: Choose one person from your group to measure specific gravity with a refractometer (see detailed instructions below).

Urine Test Strip: After recording the characteristics above, use a test strip to perform a urinalysis on this initial sample:

• o Bring a conical test tube into the restroom.
• o Pour about 15 ml of urine into the test tube and bring it back to the lab (ensure the cap is secure).
• o Using a test strip, dip it in the urine sample.
• o Read the results from bottom to top, following timing instructions on the results card. Ensure you understand the timing for each reading before starting.

• Dispose of the remaining sample in the toilet and clean any spills if they occur.

4. Drink Preparation:
   • A reference cup labeled with a 500 ml line will be available. Use this cup to identify the 500 ml mark, then draw a similar line on your own clear cup at the same level.
   • Fill your cup to this line twice with your favorite drink to reach approximately 1,000 ml total.
   • Drink the entire amount within 2 minutes, then avoid drinking any other liquids for the next 90 minutes.
   • Once finished, dispose of your clear cup in the trash can.

5. Urine Collection and Record Keeping (90 minutes):

• During this period, record the following each time you feel the need to urinate (you must collect at least once, so go at 90 minutes if you haven’t already):
  • o Time: Note the time of each collection
  • o Volume: Measure the volume using a graduated cylinder over the toilet to prevent spills.
  • o Color: Choose the description that best fits (e.g., very pale yellow, pale yellow, yellow, golden, dark golden).
  • o Odor: Assess and record the odor intensity (very slight, slight, odorous, very odorous).
  • o Clarity: Determine if it is clear or cloudy (note if there are “floaties” as an indication of cloudiness).
  • o Specific Gravity: Choose one person from your group to measure specific gravity with a refractometer (see detailed instructions below).
• After each collection, carefully dispose of your urine in the toilet, avoiding splashed, and clean up any spills immediately.

6. Specific Gravity Measurement:
   • For each urine collection, use the refractometer to measure specific gravity. Only one group member will handle this measurement.

Steps:

• Using a clean pipette, place 2 drops of urine onto the refractometer glass.
• Close the plastic cover and look through the eyepiece for the line where white meets blue.
• Record the number at that line.
• After recording, rinse and dry both the glass and plastic cover thoroughly and return the refractometer to its case.

Bathroom Etiquette: Do not place any items that may have urine (such as the collection cup, test strip, or graduated cylinder) on the bathroom counter.  Keep the test strip and other items off surfaces to maintain cleanliness.