Understanding a Urinalysis

A urinalysis is a broad screening of urine components. If any of the components of a urinalysis come back abnormal more specific testing may need to be done. A urinalysis is used to diagnosis UTI (urinary tract infections), non specific kidney function and for diabetes control to name a few of its functions.

Specific Gravity: specific gravity measures the amount of particles in the urine. This includes wastes in the urine and electrolytes. Specific gravity refers to the weight of urine. When the urine is diluted the lower the specific gravity, when the concentration is higher the specific gravity will be higher.

pH: pH indicates acid base balance. A normal pH range level is 4.6 - 8.0. An increase in pH higher than 8.0 indicates alkalosis while a decrease in pH lower than 4.6 indicates acidosis.

Abnormal findings in a urinalysis may include one or more of the following problems:

• Blood or red blood cells: can indicate a severe UTI (urinary tract infection), trauma, kidney stones or a tumor.

• Urobillirubin: this spells into urine when the serum levels of billirubin are elevated

• Protein: could indicate renal disease. While protein in the urine is considered normal in early pregnancy it can be problematic in late pregnancy.

• Nitrates: indicates urinary tract infection

• Ketones: indicates a breakdown of fats

• Casts: associated with protein and stasis of the urine

• White blood cells (WBC): associated with infection

Characteristics that are classically scene in a normal urinary tract infection: foul smelling urine, white blood cells, nitrates, cloudy appearance, bacteria, and possible blood and pH levels of alkaline.

There are various types of urinalysis that can be completed:

24 hour urine collection: Is a 24 hour collection test that will measure how much urine is produced in a day. This test can also determine how much waste is produced in the urine during a 24 hour period.

Urine Culture - Clean Catch: This test is performed after the genital area is clean and then a small amount of urine is passed into the toilet so that the urethra can be clear of any contaminates. Then the collection is collected into a sterile container. This test is performed to test for various different types of test.

Source: Medline Plus
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