Urine Routine Examination (Urinalysis)

• Screens for various health conditions, including:
  • Kidney problems: The presence of red blood cells (hematuria) can indicate kidney stones or other issues.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): White blood cells (pyuria) suggest a possible UTI.
  • Kidney inflammation: Eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, might be elevated in some inflammatory kidney diseases.
• Monitors existing health conditions like diabetes by checking for glucose (sugar) levels.

People experiencing symptoms that might indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney disease, or diabetes. These symptoms can include:

• Frequent urination
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Abdominal pain
• Back pain (especially in the case of a kidney infection)
• Pelvic pain (more common in females)
• High fever (more common in a kidney infection)

A routine urine examination, also called a urinalysis, measures several things about your urine to assess your overall health and detect potential problems. Here's a breakdown of what it typically measures:

• Appearance: This includes the color, clarity, and concentration of your urine. Cloudiness can indicate infection, while dark yellow or concentrated urine can suggest dehydration.
• Chemical composition: The test checks for the presence and levels of various chemicals in your urine, such as:
  • Glucose: High levels of glucose might suggest uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Protein: Excess protein can be a sign of kidney damage.
  • Blood: The presence of red blood cells (hematuria) can indicate kidney stones, infections, or other problems.
  • pH level: This measures how acidic or alkaline your urine is. Abnormal pH levels can be associated with various conditions.
• Microscopic analysis: The urine sample is examined under a microscope to look for the presence and quantity of:
  • Red blood cells (RBCs): As mentioned earlier, RBCs can indicate problems in the urinary tract or kidneys.
  • White blood cells (WBCs): Elevated WBCs are a sign of possible infection, often a UTI.
  • Other cells: The presence of other cells, like epithelial cells or casts, can provide clues about the location and nature of any underlying issues.

This test requires a urine sample. Patient will be explained how to collect mid-stream urine sample in a sterile container.

Following are general guidelines and specific thresholds for abnormality might vary depending on the lab. A single abnormal finding doesn't necessarily mean a serious problem. Your doctor will interpret the results in context with your symptoms and medical history.