How do you avoid RBC hpf in urine?

Patient preparation:

- Ask the patient to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive fluid intake, and caffeine on the day of the urine collection.

- If possible, postpone the test during menstruation.

- Avoid collecting the first morning urine sample, as it may be more concentrated and increase the likelihood of detecting RBCs due to the urine's high specific gravity.

Proper urine collection:

- Ensure that the urine specimen container is clean and free from any contaminants, such as talcum powder or soap residue, which can cause false-positive results.

- Instruct the patient to cleanse the external genitalia thoroughly before collecting the midstream urine sample, ideally using sterile wipes.

- Collect at least 10 mL of urine in the container.

- Fill the urine collection container to the recommended level to prevent possible contamination from the container walls.

- Label the urine sample appropriately with the patient's full name, date, and time of collection, as well as any relevant medical history or current medications.

Handling and processing:

- Promptly transport the urine sample to the laboratory within 1-2 hours of collection to avoid delays that could affect the integrity of the sample.

- Centrifuge the urine specimen at the appropriate speed and duration to obtain a sediment pellet for microscopic examination.

- Use appropriate quality control measures in the laboratory to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the urine analysis results.

By following these measures and ensuring careful attention to patient preparation, urine collection procedures, and laboratory practices, you can minimize the risk of false-positive RBC hpf results. This helps maintain the accuracy of urine analysis and improves the reliability of diagnostic findings related to urinary tract conditions.