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Laboratory Studies

Laboratory testing should answer a specific clinical question: infection, renal function, metabolic complications, endocrine disease, nutrition, or procedural risk. Interpret results in the context of collection method, symptoms, reconstructed anatomy, medication use, and comorbidity. The articles distinguish useful testing from low-yield screening and explain where conventional thresholds need qualification.

  • Urine StudiesSpecimen collection, dipstick and microscopic urinalysis, urine culture thresholds by collection method, urine cytology in bladder-cancer surveillance, the Meares-Stamey localization test, 24-hour urine for stone disease, EQUC and next-generation sequencing, and interpretation in urinary diversions, augmented bladders, and CIC patients.
  • Renal Function & Metabolic SurveillanceSerum creatinine and eGFR per KDIGO 2024, BMP/CMP for segment-dependent electrolyte and acid–base complications, vitamin B12 surveillance after ileal/ileocecal segments, bone-density panel, and annual AUA/SUFU surveillance for adults with NLUTD and bowel-segment urinary reconstruction.
  • Hormonal AssessmentTestosterone testing and clinical diagnostic criteria, selected gonadotropin/prolactin testing, hematocrit on TRT, and PSA interpretation during 5-ARI or gender-affirming treatment.
  • Preoperative LabsWhat to order vs. skip — anchored on AAFP / ACP de-implementation guidance. CBC, coagulation, glucose/HbA1c, BMP, and type-and-screen by procedural risk and patient comorbidity. Avoid blanket laboratory panels; select tests by operation and patient risk.
  • Nutritional AssessmentSerum albumin, prealbumin, CRP, vitamin D, iron / ferritin, B12, folate, zinc, vitamin A, thiamine, copper; MUST / NRS-2002 / MNA-SF / GLIM screening framework; handgrip strength and body composition (CT-SMI / BIA / DXA) for the reconstructive preoperative workup.