Definition - What does Full and Microscopic Examination of Urine mean?
A full and microscopic examination of urine (urine FEME) is an analysis of a urine specimen using biochemical methods as well as examination of a sample using a microscope. Separately, these two examinations are sometimes referred to as dipstick, or chemical testing, and microscopic urinalysis.
SureHire explains Full and Microscopic Examination of Urine
Urinalysis is one of the testing methods used by medical professionals to assess and individual's wellness and diagnose disease. A full and microscopic examination of urine (urine FEME) may be recommended when a health professional notices abnormalities following an initial examination of a urine specimen or when certain diseases such as infection or kidney stones are suspected. Urinalysis begins with a visual examination. The second step is the chemical analysis. The third is a microscopic exam. As indicated by the name, a urine FEME incorporates both the chemical analysis and the visual examination of the urine specimen under a microscope.
A full and microscopic examination of urine is performed in a laboratory. When a full and microscopic examination is performed, the pH, specific gravity, and other characteristics of the urine are tested using test strips or other chemical methods. Through chemical testing, lab technicians can detect the presence of blood, protein, ketones, and other substances in the urine. When the urine is examined under a microscope, the sample is first centrifuged. The sediment from this process is examined for the presence of bacteria, yeast, crystals, and other indicators of illness or disease. Red and white blood cells, epithelial cells, and parasites may also be visible during a microscopic examination of a urine sample.
