Urinalysis (Complete Urine Analysis)
Definition
Examination of the urine in three stages:
| Stage | What is done |
|---|---|
| 1. Visual / Physical | Color and clarity are assessed. Is it clear or cloudy? Is it pale, dark yellow, or another color? |
| 2. Chemical (Strip / Dipstick) | A special strip (dipstick) is used to test for substances in the urine sample |
| 3. Microscopic | Cells, urinary crystals, urinary casts, mucus and other substances are examined; the presence of bacteria is determined |
Parameters checked with the strip: protein, glucose, red blood cells (blood), pH, ketones, bilirubin and density (specific gravity).
What is looked for on microscopic examination: cells, crystal formations, casts, mucus and microorganisms.
Purpose
- Screening for disease during routine check-ups
- Monitoring diabetes and kidney disease
- Detecting hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Diagnosing urinary tract infection
Normal Values
Urine color ranges from almost colorless to dark yellow. Normally glucose, ketones, protein and bilirubin are not detected; hemoglobin, nitrite and blood/white blood cells should not be present.
Risks and Limitations
Abnormal results may suggest kidney disease, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, uncontrolled diabetes or bladder/kidney cancer, but they are not diagnostic on their own and must be evaluated together with the clinical picture.