Automated in-clinic urine chemistry

The Vetscan UA Urine Analyzer replaces the manual urine chemistry reagent strip (“dipstick”). For some parameters, it is a screening tool; for other parameters, it is diagnostic (such as glucose). It is important to always perform a urine dipstick in conjunction with a urine specific gravity (USG) and a urine sediment for a complete picture of the urinary tract and proper chemistry interpretation. A general guideline that may vary by patient:

Screening parameters: protein, microalbumin, UPC

Definitive parameters: glucose, ketones, bilirubin, pH, blood

On the Vetscan UA, and all other urine test strips, there are semi-quantitative result bins. The Vetscan UA will give a number that represents the bin classification system or range. Refer to Vetscan UA User Manual available here. If the exact value is close to the cut-off between bins, the analyzer may round to the nearest bin.

Source: Vetscan UA User Manual (ABX-0098)

UPC on the Vetscan UA provides a semi-quantitative result. It is an excellent screening tool for proteinuria. If the UPC is positive on Vetscan UA and the sediment is inactive, it is recommended to repeat testing in 2-4 weeks. If the result is the same, send out for a quantitative result or attempt to diagnose and treat the underlying condition.

MA on the Vetscan UA can be used as an early screening tool for protein in the urine. It is a sensitive, but non-specific test and may increase prior to UPC and standard test strip protein pad.

If MA>2.5 mg/dL (25 mg/L)- the patient is unlikely to have proteinuria

If MA>2.5 mg/dL (25 mg/L):

• Interpret with respect to the USG and urine sediment. If sediment is inactive and USG is not >1.035, consider patient’s clinical signs and other diagnostics such as CBC/Chem. Blood pressure should be performed as well. If all of those are normal, repeat 2 or more times, each 2 weeks apart.
• A repeatable positive MA should be confirmed with UPC and/or quantitative MA sent to a diagnostic lab. Further diagnostics and/or treatment may or may not be warranted once microalbuminuria is confirmed.
• Causes of elevated MA include but are not limited to early chronic kidney disease, as well as infectious, inflammatory, immune-mediated and other disease types.

NOTE: An MA>2.5 is abnormal, but a single reading by itself does not confirm an overall disease process.

Source: Lees, George, et al. Assessment and Management of Proteinuria in canines and felines: 2004 ACVIM Forum Consensus Statement (Small Animal). JVIM 2005;19:377-385.

No. A refractometer should always be used to determine the USG.

Yes, you may schedule a consultation with a board-certified specialist through the ZoetisDx portal.

Urine samples for use with the Vetscan UA may be collected with cystocentesis, free catch, or catheter. Use room or body temperature urine, and do not centrifuge urine samples before use on the Vetscan UA.

The Vetscan UA holds 500 sample records.

Yes, bleach and other cleaners can interfere and contaminate your strip and/or analyzer. We recommend using warm distilled water to clean the analyzer.