Urine Test
General · Blood
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No lab currently offers this test.
About this test
What is a Urine Test?
A urine test, also called a urinalysis, is a routine laboratory examination that checks the composition of urine. It helps doctors evaluate kidney function, detect infections, and screen for metabolic or systemic conditions.
Key Parameters Measured
| Parameter | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Color | General hydration and possible hematuria |
| Specific gravity | Concentration of urine, indicating kidney concentrating ability |
| pH | Acid-base balance; can hint at urinary tract infections or kidney stones |
| Protein | Presence of proteinuria, a sign of kidney damage |
| Glucose | Indicates possible diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance |
| Ketones | May signal uncontrolled diabetes or starvation |
| Bilirubin | Can suggest liver disease or hemolysis |
| Urobilinogen | Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction |
| Nitrites | Often a marker for bacterial infection |
| Leukocyte esterase | Indicates white blood cells, suggesting infection |
| Microscopic sediment | Red/white blood cells, casts, crystals, or bacteria |
Why is it Done?
- Routine health check‑ups
- Evaluation of symptoms such as fever, pain, or changes in urination
- Monitoring kidney function in chronic kidney disease or diabetes
- Screening for urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Detecting early signs of kidney stones or metabolic disorders
Early Detection
The test can help identify signs of diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and liver dysfunction, but it does not diagnose these conditions on its own. A clinician interprets the results alongside symptoms, history, and other investigations.
What Abnormal Results May Indicate
- High protein: kidney damage, hypertension, or diabetes
- High glucose: diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance
- High ketones: uncontrolled diabetes or prolonged fasting
- High leukocyte esterase or nitrites: bacterial UTI
- Red or white blood cells: infection, stones, or inflammation
Many factors—hydration status, recent diet, medications, or strenuous exercise—can influence results, so repeat testing may be required for confirmation.
Who Might Be Advised to Get This Test?
- Adults with risk factors for kidney disease (diabetes, hypertension)
- Individuals with urinary symptoms (pain, frequency, urgency)
- Pregnant women for routine monitoring
- Patients on nephrotoxic medications
- Anyone undergoing routine health screening
In short: A urine test is a quick, non‑invasive screening tool that helps spot potential health issues early, but it is part of a broader diagnostic process.
Preparation
- Fasting: Not required for a standard urinalysis.
- If combined with fasting tests: Follow the longest fasting period required (usually 8–12 hours).
- Sample collection: Mid‑stream clean‑catch urine is collected in a sterile container; the procedure takes a few minutes.
- Discomfort: None; the collection is painless.
- Precautions: Avoid excessive alcohol or dehydration before the test; inform the lab if you are on medications that may affect urine composition.
- Note: Confirm specific preparation instructions with your doctor or the lab. This information is general educational content and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Used for detecting / monitoring
Before your test
- Fasting: No fasting required for a routine urine test.
- Combined fasting tests: If you are also having tests that require fasting, follow the longest fasting period (typically 8–12 hours).
- Sample collection: Provide a mid‑stream clean‑catch urine sample in a sterile container; the process takes a few minutes.
- Discomfort: None; the collection is painless.
- Precautions: Stay well‑hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol, and inform the lab of any medications that might affect urine composition.
- Final note: Check with your doctor or the laboratory for any specific instructions. This is general educational information and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sample type: Blood
Report parameter guide
Color
Appearance of urine
Low: Very pale or clear
High: Dark amber or reddish
Clarity
How clear or cloudy the urine looks
Low: Very clear
High: Cloudy or turbid
Specific Gravity
Concentration of solutes in urine
Low: Low concentration (dilute)
High: High concentration (concentrated)
pH
Acidity or alkalinity of urine
Low: Very acidic
High: Very alkaline
Protein
Presence of protein molecules
Low: Absent
High: Elevated protein levels
Glucose
Presence of glucose sugar
Low: Absent
High: Glucose in urine
Ketones
Presence of ketone bodies
Low: Absent
High: Ketones present
Bilirubin
Presence of bilirubin pigment
Low: Absent
High: Bilirubin present
Urobilinogen
Presence of urobilinogen
Low: Low or absent
High: Elevated urobilinogen
Blood
Presence of red blood cells
Low: Absent
High: Blood detected
Nitrite
Presence of nitrite from bacteria
Low: Absent
High: Nitrite present
Leukocyte Esterase
Presence of white blood cell enzyme
Low: Absent
High: Elevated leukocyte esterase
RBC
Red blood cells per high power field
Low: None or few
High: Many RBCs
WBC
White blood cells per high power field
Low: None or few
High: Many WBCs
Epithelial Cells
Cells from urinary tract lining
Low: None or few
High: Many epithelial cells
Casts
Tubular structures in urine
Low: None
High: Casts present
Crystals
Solid particles in urine
Low: None
High: Crystals present
Bacteria
Bacterial presence
Low: None
High: Bacteria seen