A urine analysis is a set of tests that are used to detect and manage a broad range of diseases such as diabetes, kidney infection and urinary tract infections. Urine analysis usually includes checking red blood count in urine, visual examination, checking the appearance, concentration and the content of the urine. A sample of urine is also analyzed on the basis of its chemical and molecular properties. An abnormal test result indicates that the person is suffering from certain types of health disorders.
Why is the test performed?
Urinalysis is ordered for a plethora of reasons. Some of them are-
Routine medical checkup - Urinalysis can be done as a part of the annual health check-up to detect the condition of the kidneys, liver, urinary tract, etc.
To assess particular symptoms - It can be performed to find the reasons behind frequent abdominal pain, painful urination, flank pain, presence of blood in the urine (Hematuria), or other urinary symptoms.
To diagnose medical conditions - The set of tests is used to diagnose kidney infection, uncontrolled diabetes muscle breakdown, the presence of protein in the urine, measuring red blood count numbers in the urine, drug screening, and kidney inflammation.
To monitor the response of treatment - It is also ordered to track down the progression or response of the treatment of the diseases such as Diabetes, kidney related disorders, blood pressure, Hematuria, etc.What does a Urinalysis test involve?
Basically, urinalysis can be performed in two ways. Firstly, by physically evaluating the colour, concentration and the content of the urine. Secondly, through Microscopic urinalysis. Other types of tests involve - Dipstick test and Visual Examination.
Microscopic Urinalysis - In this test, a few drops of urine are viewed with the help of a microscope. If the below-mentioned substances are above the normal range, then additional tests are necessary to perform-
Red Blood Cell - A high Red blood count in urine is a sign of kidney disease, a blood disorder or other underlying medical condition such as urinary bladder cancer.
White Blood Cell - A high level of WBCs may indicate that one is suffering from Leukocytes, a sign of urinary infection. The normal value of a Red blood count is four red blood cells per high power field.
Casts - Casts are tube-shaped proteins that are formed as a result of kidney diseases.
Crystals - Crystals are formed from the toxic chemicals present in the urine and are a sign of kidney stones.Visual Examination - It includes a visual observation of the urine. Any changes in the colour, clarity, and content may indicate that the person is suffering from - an infection, dehydration (dark yellow colour), liver diseases, Hematuria, etc.
Dipstick test - Dipstick is a thin, plastic stick with various types of strips of chemicals on it. Dipsticks are placed in the urine sample to detect any abnormalities. If any defects are found, the strips change colour. This test analyses the- acidity or pH level of the urine sample, its concentration, presence of any protein and sugar, evidence of infection, presence of blood in the urine and the red blood count numbers which may be a sign of having bladder stones, kidney or bladder cancer or blood disorders.
Why is the test performed?
Urinalysis is ordered for a plethora of reasons. Some of them are-
Routine medical checkup - Urinalysis can be done as a part of the annual health check-up to detect the condition of the kidneys, liver, urinary tract, etc.
To assess particular symptoms - It can be performed to find the reasons behind frequent abdominal pain, painful urination, flank pain, presence of blood in the urine (Hematuria), or other urinary symptoms.
To diagnose medical conditions - The set of tests is used to diagnose kidney infection, uncontrolled diabetes muscle breakdown, the presence of protein in the urine, measuring red blood count numbers in the urine, drug screening, and kidney inflammation.
To monitor the response of treatment - It is also ordered to track down the progression or response of the treatment of the diseases such as Diabetes, kidney related disorders, blood pressure, Hematuria, etc.What does a Urinalysis test involve?
Basically, urinalysis can be performed in two ways. Firstly, by physically evaluating the colour, concentration and the content of the urine. Secondly, through Microscopic urinalysis. Other types of tests involve - Dipstick test and Visual Examination.
Microscopic Urinalysis - In this test, a few drops of urine are viewed with the help of a microscope. If the below-mentioned substances are above the normal range, then additional tests are necessary to perform-
Red Blood Cell - A high Red blood count in urine is a sign of kidney disease, a blood disorder or other underlying medical condition such as urinary bladder cancer.
White Blood Cell - A high level of WBCs may indicate that one is suffering from Leukocytes, a sign of urinary infection. The normal value of a Red blood count is four red blood cells per high power field.
Casts - Casts are tube-shaped proteins that are formed as a result of kidney diseases.
Crystals - Crystals are formed from the toxic chemicals present in the urine and are a sign of kidney stones.Visual Examination - It includes a visual observation of the urine. Any changes in the colour, clarity, and content may indicate that the person is suffering from - an infection, dehydration (dark yellow colour), liver diseases, Hematuria, etc.
Dipstick test - Dipstick is a thin, plastic stick with various types of strips of chemicals on it. Dipsticks are placed in the urine sample to detect any abnormalities. If any defects are found, the strips change colour. This test analyses the- acidity or pH level of the urine sample, its concentration, presence of any protein and sugar, evidence of infection, presence of blood in the urine and the red blood count numbers which may be a sign of having bladder stones, kidney or bladder cancer or blood disorders.