False-Positive and Falsely-Decreased Results

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course . Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about (online CE course)
False-Positive and Falsely-Decreased Results

A false-positive or falsely elevated result may be caused by vaginal contamination of the urine specimen or a highly-colored specimen.
Falsely-decreased results may occur in the presence of significantly elevated protein, glucose, or specific gravity (significantly elevated specific gravity can crenate the white blood cells, leaving them unable to release esterases). The drugs cephalexin and gentamicin may also cause a falsely-decreased leukocytes test result.