Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a common laboratory test used to examine the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine. It may be ordered to look for infection, kidney disease, dehydration, diabetes-related abnormalities, blood in the urine, or other systemic problems. ^[1][2][3]

The test is valuable because it is simple, inexpensive, and widely available, but it must be interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, and other tests. A single abnormal result does not always establish a diagnosis by itself. ^[1][2]

How should a urine sample be provided?

When possible, a clean-catch midstream sample is preferred to reduce contamination. Patients are usually asked to clean the area, begin urinating, and then collect the middle portion of the stream in a sterile container. ^[1][2]

What is evaluated in urinalysis?

Urinalysis may assess color, clarity, pH, specific gravity, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, leukocyte esterase, nitrite, and microscopic elements such as red blood cells, white blood cells, casts, bacteria, or crystals. ^[1][2][3]

How are results interpreted?

Abnormal findings can suggest infection, kidney involvement, stones, diabetes-related problems, liver disease, or contamination, depending on the pattern. However, the same parameter can have more than one explanation, which is why clinical interpretation matters. ^[1][2][3]

What can affect the result?

Hydration status, menstruation, contamination, exercise, certain foods, medications, and delays in delivering the sample can all influence results. ^[1][2]