CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 32: BASIC TESTS FOR NURSING ASSISTANTS 

This section teaches how to perform or assist with simple diagnostic tests often done in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. These tests help detect health conditions early and improve patient outcomes. 

✅ 1. Blood Sugar Test (Using Glucometer) 

Purpose: To check glucose levels in the blood for diabetes screening or monitoring. 

Materials: 

• Glucometer 

• Test strips 

• Sterile lancet 

• Alcohol swab 

• Cotton wool 

• Gloves 

Steps: 

1. Wash hands and wear gloves. 

2. Clean fingertip with alcohol swab. 

3. Prick finger with lancet. 

4. Collect one drop of blood onto strip inserted into glucometer. 

5. Wait for result (usually within seconds). 

6. Wipe finger and dispose sharps safely. 

Normal Range (Random): 70–140 mg/dL
Report if: < 60 mg/dL or > 180 mg/dL 

✅ 2. Urine Test (Dipstick) 

Purpose: To check for infection, sugar, protein, or other abnormalities in the urine. 

Materials: 

• Urine dipstick 

• Clean container 

• Gloves 

Steps: 

1. Collect midstream urine. 

2. Dip strip into urine for 2 seconds. 

3. Wait 30–60 seconds. 

4. Compare strip color to chart on container. 

5. Record findings. 

Abnormal Indicators: 

• Sugar (diabetes) 

• Protein (kidney problem) 

• Blood (infection or injury) 

• Nitrites/Leukocytes (UTI) 

✅ 3. Weight and Height Measurement 

Purpose: To monitor growth, nutrition, or medication dosing. 

Steps: 

• Height: Use stadiometer or tape against wall; stand straight, barefoot. 

• Weight: Use calibrated scale; patient should remove shoes and heavy clothes. 

Note: Calculate BMI if needed = weight (kg) ÷ height (m²) 

✅ 4. Pregnancy Test (PT Strip) 

Purpose: To detect pregnancy using urine sample. 

Steps: 

1. Collect fresh midstream urine. 

2. Dip PT strip for 5–10 seconds. 

3. Lay flat and wait 3–5 minutes. 

4. Read result: 

1. Two lines: Positive 

2. One line (control only): Negative 

3. No line or only test line: Invalid 

Report positive or unclear results to supervisor. 

✅ 5. Malaria Test (MP Strip) 

Purpose: To detect malaria parasite using blood sample. 

Steps: 

1. Clean finger and prick with lancet. 

2. Place drop of blood on strip. 

3. Add buffer (usually 2–3 drops). 

4. Wait 15–20 minutes. 

5. Read: 

1. Two lines: Positive 

2. One line (control): Negative 

3. No line/only test line: Invalid 

✅ 6. Typhoid Test (Widal Strip) 

Purpose: To detect antibodies against typhoid bacteria. 

Steps: Same as malaria strip. 

Note: A lab confirmation is still important for diagnosis. 

✅ 7. HIV Test (Rapid Strip – rVS) 

Purpose: To screen for HIV infection (done with strict consent). 

Important: Only trained personnel should perform this with pre- and post-test counseling. 

Steps: 

1. Finger-prick to collect blood. 

2. Drop blood on cassette or strip. 

3. Add buffer. 

4. Wait 15–20 minutes. 

5. Read: 

1. Two lines (test + control): Reactive (Positive) 

2. One line (control only): Non-reactive (Negative) 

Any positive must be confirmed in a lab. 

✅ 8. Blood Group Test (ABO and Rh) 

Purpose: To identify blood group and Rh factor. 

Materials: 

• Anti-A, Anti-B, Anti-D reagents 

• Glass slide or card 

• Lancet and alcohol swab 

• Mixing stick or applicator 

Steps: 

1. Prick finger and drop blood in three spots. 

2. Add Anti-A to one, Anti-B to second, Anti-D to third. 

3. Mix each spot. 

4. Observe for clumping (agglutination). 

Interpretation: 

• Clump with A only = A group 

• Clump with B only = B group 

• Clump with both A and B = AB 

• No clump = O 

• Clump with D = Rh positive 

📌 General Safety Tips for All Tests: 

• Wear gloves and use infection control. 

• Label all samples correctly. 

• Dispose of lancets and used strips safely. 

• Never diagnose — always report findings to a nurse or doctor.