Urinalysis Test

This lab test is basically a urine sample. A urinalysis can give vital information of a potential problem that may be going on, without having any physical signs or symptoms. Many diseases may go unnoticed including diabetes, kidney problems or urinary tract infections. Please remember diet, fluid intake, exercise and many prescription medications may affect your results. A complete urinalysis consists of physical, chemical and microscopic evaluations.

Hopefully this information will help you understand what healthcare providers are looking for in your results as well as give you an understanding why lab tests are so important.

The components of a urinalysis are as follows:

Specific gravity- This is basically a measurement of how dilute or concentrated the urine is. It can also suggest hydration or dehydration. Along with other components of this test it may suggest kidney impairment.

Ph- It looks for the acidity or alkalinity or the urine. A variation of the pH value of your urine can indicate certain health conditions. Certain medication and diet can also affect the ph of the urine. Urine pH is an important screening tool for the diagnosis of kidney disease, metabolic and respiratory disorders.

Urine color- Normal urine can range from pale yellow to dark amber if it is more concentrated. There are many reasons for the variations in color including, fluid intake, food, vitamins, and certain prescription medications.

Appearance- Urine is usually clear. Cloudy urine can show a potential health problem such as a bladder infection, stones, gonorrhea and much more.

WBC esterase- This is looking for an infection. White blood cells in the urine are abnormal and may point toward some sort of bacterial infection.

Protein- This is not a normal component of urine. Protein in the urine may make the urine look foamy. Protein is not filtered out by the kidneys as the molecules are too large. This may be an indicator of kidney damage, uncontrolled diabetes, infection, and many more conditions.

Glucose- This is sugar. Most of us have only trace amounts or no sugar in the urine. Kidney damage and diabetes (high blood sugar) are contributing factors to having glucose in the urine.

Ketones- This is a product of fatty acid breakdown. It is not a normal component of urine. Many people on high protein diets, low in sugars and carbohydrates may have ketones to be in the urine. It may also be due to starvation, vomiting or a more serious health condition related to diabetes.

Occult blood- This term means hidden blood. We cannot always visibly see blood in the urine Kidney stones, inflammation, infection, bladder or kidney cancers as well as having your period may be a few reasons there is blood in the urine.

Bilirubin- This has a yellowish color and is made from bile produced form the liver. Bilirubin in the urine may point in the direction of liver or gall bladder issues. It is normally excreted in the stool.

Urobilinogen- This is a normal component of the urine due to a re-absorption process. . Your level should be with the normal ranges.

Nitrite- This is a conversion of nitrates to nitrites, via an enzyme present with a urinary tact infection.

Microscopic evaluation- This is done under a microscope as the name implies. It aids in identification of microorganisms, crystals, casts, mucous and also helps identify bacteria.

Please remember this is a screening tool and may aide in a diagnosis along with other lab tests. There are outside factors that may affect your result. The UA may also be ordered to check for disease, infection and treatment purposes.