Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a series of tests conducted on urine to detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine. It is a routine examination of the urine for cells, tiny structures, bacteria, and chemicals that suggest various illnesses. A urinalysis can detect abnormalities of urine; help diagnose and manage renal diseases, urinary tract infection, urinary tract neoplasms, systemic diseases, and inflammatory or neoplastic diseases adjacent to the urinary tract.

Procedure

A urinalysis involves three steps: visual examination, microscopic examination, and dipstick test. The visual examination checks the urine color and clarity. The microscopic examination checks for cells, crystals, and other substances. The dipstick test checks for acidity (pH), concentration, protein, sugar, ketones, bilirubin, evidence of infection, and blood.

Uses

Urinalysis is used for several purposes, including:

• To assess general health: A urinalysis may be part of a routine check-up.
• To diagnose a medical condition: A urinalysis may help discover diseases and conditions such as urinary tract infection, kidney disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.
• To monitor a medical condition: If diagnosed with a medical condition such as kidney disease or urinary tract disease, a urinalysis may be used to monitor the condition and treatment.

Results

The results of a urinalysis can be affected by various factors, including diet, hydration level, medication use, and exercise. Abnormal results may indicate a disease or illness, such as:

• Urinary tract infection or kidney disease: Indicated by white blood cells, bacteria, or red blood cells in the urine.
• Diabetes: Indicated by high sugar levels in the urine.
• Kidney disease: Indicated by high protein levels in the urine.
• Liver disease: Indicated by high bilirubin levels in the urine.

See also

• Urine test strip
• Urine culture
• Urine electrolytes

Urinalysis Resources
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