The following results are obtained on a catheterized specimen from a patient with symptoms of urinary tract infection:

-Based on the information provided,what is the most probable cause of an error in the report?
A) Specimen mix-up
B) RTEs are spherical transitional cells
C) Analyzing a catheterized specimen
D) Both B and C

Question

The following results are obtained on a catheterized specimen from a patient with symptoms of urinary tract infection:
 
-Based on the information provided,what is the most probable cause of an error in the report?
A) Specimen mix-up 
B) RTEs are spherical transitional cells 
C) Analyzing a catheterized specimen 
D) Both B and C

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RTEs (round, thin, squamous epithelial cells) are the normal cells found in the bladder, and can be easily mistaken for spherical transitional cells (STCs), which are a type of white blood cell that can indicate infection. Analyzing a catheterized specimen can also lead to a higher likelihood of contamination and specimen mix-up, as it involves inserting a tube into the urethra to collect urine directly from the bladder. Therefore, the most probable cause of error in the report would be due to the difficulty in distinguishing RTEs from STCs, as well as the potential for specimen mix-up and contamination when analyzing a catheterized specimen.

The Following Results Are Obtained on a Catheterized Specimen from a Patient