Urinalysis is used as a screening and/or diagnostic tool because it can detect different metabolic and kidney disorders. In some conditions, it also provides an easy, economical, and relatively fast test to monitor ongoing patient progress, for example, if you want to know whether a condition is getting better or worse. However, a urinalysis cannot detect all disorders.

A routine urinalysis may be done when you visit your doctor, when you attend the outpatient clinic or when you are admitted to the hospital. It may also be part of a routine medical examination, a new pregnancy evaluation, or preparation for planned surgery. A urinalysis will most likely be performed if you see your doctor complaining of tummy pain, back pain, painful or frequent urination, or blood in the urine. This test can also be useful in monitoring whether a condition is getting better or worse.

Urinalysis results can have many interpretations. Normal urinalysis results do not mean there is no illness. Urinalysis is only one screening test that can provide a general overview of a person’s health. Your doctor must correlate the urinalysis results with your health complaints and other information available.