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Urinalysis

Also known as: Urine test; Urine analysis
Formal name: Urinalysis
Related tests: Urine culture; Urine protein; Urea; Creatinine; Creatinine clearance; Microalbumin; eGFR

The Test

How is it used?

Urinalysis is used as a screening and/or diagnostic tool because it can detect different metabolic and kidney disorders. Often, substances such as protein or glucose will begin to appear in the urine before patients are aware that they may have a problem. It is used to detect urinary tract infections (UTI) and other disorders of the urinary tract. In some conditions, urinalysis also provides an easy, economical, and relatively fast test to follow patient progress, for example, if you want to know whether a condition is getting better or worse. However, a urinalysis cannot detect all disorders.

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When is it requested?

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.

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What does the test result mean?

Urinalysis results can have many interpretations. Abnormal findings are a warning that something may be wrong and should be looked at further. 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 look at the urinalysis results alongside your health complaints and other information available.

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Is there anything else I should know?

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