OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

How can urinary tract infections be determined?

1. Pour plates

2. Multistix® 10 SG sticks

3. SAF fluid

4. Palpation

The correct answer is: Pour plates

The determination of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is most effectively achieved using urine analysis methods that provide accurate and efficient results. Among the choices listed, using Multistix® 10 SG sticks is a standard and practical approach in clinical laboratories. These reagent strips can detect the presence of leukocytes, nitrites, and other markers indicative of infection directly in urine samples. This method allows for rapid preliminary screening and can guide further diagnostic testing if necessary. Pour plates and culture techniques are also methods used for determining bacterial counts and identifying specific pathogens in urine samples; however, this typically follows initial screening methods like the use of reagent strips. Palpation is not a method used for confirming UTIs; it's related to physical examination techniques and does not provide direct evidence of infection in the urinary tract. SAF fluid, which stands for sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin, is a preservative for stool samples and not directly relevant to the diagnosis of UTIs. Thus, while various methods can contribute to diagnosing a UTI, the Multistix® 10 SG sticks provide a practical, first-line diagnostic tool correlated with clinical findings.