Dictionary

Labs and diagnostics

Lab values with their normal and critical ranges, and the tests nurses prepare clients for.

U waveA small, rounded wave that sometimes follows the T wave on an ECG.

ultrasoundAn imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures of the inside of the body.

ureaA waste product the liver makes when it breaks down protein, which the kidneys remove in urine.

uric acidA waste product made when the body breaks down purines, measured with a blood test.

urinalysisA lab test of a urine sample that looks at its color, clarity, chemicals and cells.

urine cultureA lab test that grows germs from a urine sample to find out whether bacteria are present and which ones.

urine ketonesA urine test, usually a dipstick, for ketones, acids made when the body burns fat for energy.

urine osmolalityA urine test that measures how concentrated the urine is: how many dissolved particles it holds.

urine specific gravityA urine test that measures how concentrated the urine is, compared with the weight of plain water.