American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

Why is it important to instruct the patient to drink water prior to a urine test if they are initially unable to provide a sample?

1. To dilute the urine for clearer results

2. To stimulate a quicker response from the kidneys

3. To ensure sufficient volume for the sample

4. To encourage a healthy hydration habit

The correct answer is: To ensure sufficient volume for the sample

Instructing the patient to drink water prior to a urine test when they are initially unable to provide a sample is important primarily to ensure sufficient volume for the sample. When a patient is dehydrated or has not consumed enough fluids, the urine produced can be minimal, making it challenging for healthcare professionals to obtain an adequate sample for testing. Having enough urine volume is essential not only for laboratory analysis but also to ensure that the sample represents a variety of components contained in urine, which can assist in accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a larger volume can help to minimize the risk of concentrated substances which might lead to misleading results. Therefore, encouraging hydration helps facilitate the collection of a sample that is sufficient for testing purposes and is representative of the patient's physiological state.