Final answer:
The true statement regarding medical testing is that if reference intervals are not documented on the same page as the waived test result, there must be a notation directing to the intervals' location. Check marks or X's are not considered sufficient documentation for test results.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of medical testing, particularly urinalysis, reporting standards are critical for the interpretation and understanding of test results. When it comes to quantitative test results, reference intervals or normal values appropriate to the specific test method and population served are typically included in the medical record. These reference intervals provide a comparison point to determine if a patient's test results fall within a normal or abnormal range, assisting in diagnosis and treatment planning.
The correct statement regarding the documentation of waived testing in medical records is that if the reference intervals are not documented directly adjacent to the waived test result on the same page, there must be a notation that directs the reader to the location of these intervals. This ensures clarity and accessibility of information that is necessary for proper evaluation of the test results. Simply using a check mark or an X to indicate positive or negative results is generally insufficient, as these do not provide the necessary detail on the scale or range of the results.
Urine dipsticks and other semiquantitative tests, such as urinalysis, often rely on comparing the colour change on test strips to a colour key. The colour intensities correlate with levels of chemicals, proteins, or cells in the urine. Issues such as low sensitivity or specificity of such tests necessitate careful interpretation and often subsequent confirmatory testing, such as urine culture, to accurately diagnose conditions like urinary tract infections.