National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Practice Test

What other test can be performed alongside a dipstick urinalysis to reconfirm findings?

1. Blood test

2. Culture test

3. X-ray

4. Ultrasound

The correct answer is: Culture test

A culture test is a valuable follow-up to a dipstick urinalysis because it allows for the identification of specific pathogens present in the urine. While a dipstick test can indicate the presence of certain substances, such as glucose, bilirubin, protein, or nitrites, it may not provide definitive results regarding urinary tract infections or other underlying conditions. The culture test involves growing microorganisms from a urine sample in a controlled environment, which can confirm the presence of bacteria or other pathogens that may be causing symptoms. This additional test not only validates the findings of the initial dipstick test but also helps guide appropriate treatment by identifying the specific organism and its antibiotic sensitivities. In contrast, blood tests, x-rays, and ultrasounds serve different purposes. Blood tests may assess overall health or measure specific parameters, but they do not specifically reconfirm findings related to urinary conditions. X-rays are typically used for imaging bones and other structures, while ultrasounds provide images of soft tissues and organs but do not confirm urinalysis findings directly. Thus, a culture test is the most relevant and complementary test to a dipstick urinalysis for urinary assessments.