Urine Test Analysis

A urine analysis, also known simply as a urinalysis, includes obtaining a sample of urine from a patient and exposing it to one or more clinical tests. Tests can be as simple as providing a visual diagnosis of urine or using a chemical strip to test its pH.

Significance

• Urine tests are simple, noninvasive procedures. A proper analysis of urine may provide key insight into the presence of any pathogens or dangerous substances infecting the body. Urine tests are often combined with blood tests or X-rays to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Visual

• The first step to a proper urinalysis is a visual examination. A doctor or nurse will usually look at a urine sample and make an initial diagnosis based on any visual abnormalities present. For example, urine that is cloudy or hazy may indicate the presence of a bladder infection. Urine that is brown or red is usually mixed with blood and may indicate internal bleeding or bladder cancer.

Dipstick

• A dipstick is a thin plastic strip with chemical squares attached. These squares change color based on the level of chemicals or other substances present in urine. Once dipped in urine, the dipstick is analyzed to determine if chemicals are at a safe level or if any foreign substances are present. High levels of acidity in urine may indicate a kidney or urinary tract disorder. Detection of sugar in the urine may necessitate further testing for diabetes. Detection of a substance known as bilirubin (a product of red cell breakdown) may indicate liver damage. Detection of protein in urine may indicate complications involving the kidneys.

Microscope

• A microscopic urinalysis uses a microscope to visually analyze any cells or other foreign agents in urine. The detection of tube-shaped proteins (known as casts) may indicate kidney disorders. Kidney stones may cause the buildup of substances known as crystals in the urine. The presence of white blood cells (leukocytes) may indicate infection. Epithelial cells (cells that line the hollow organs) in the urine may be caused by an internal tumor.

Warning

• A urinalysis is usually the first step to a proper diagnosis rather than a definitive answer. By itself, a urinalysis is often an inaccurate means of procuring a diagnosis. For example, urine samples may be contaminated by external substances and result in improper readings. Therefore, a urine test will typically precede some other form of medical testing.