Why is urinalysis test done

Learn about nitrites in urine here. Discover the…. Learn why a creatinine urine test is done, how to prepare for it, what to expect during the test, and how to interpret the results. Learn why a uric acid urine test is performed, what to expect during the test, and what the test results may mean.

A urine specific gravity test compares the density of urine to the density of water. This quick test can help determine how efficiently your kidneys….

The hour urine protein test checks the function of the kidneys and detects disease. Urine samples are collected over a hour period and sent to a…. A urine glucose test measures the level of glucose sugar in your urine.

Having too much can be a sign of a health problem. If you don't receive…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

Why urinalysis is done. Preparing for urinalysis. About the urinalysis process. Methods of urinalysis. Getting the results. Following up after a urinalysis. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Urine pH Level Test. Urine Drug Test. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Depending on the reason your provider recommended this test, you might need follow-up for unusual results.

Evaluation of the urinalysis results with other tests can help your provider determine next steps. Getting standard test results from a urinalysis doesn't guarantee that you're not ill. It might be too early to detect disease or your urine could be too diluted. Tell your provider if you still have signs and symptoms. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Urinalysis About. Overview A urinalysis is a test of your urine. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lab Tests Online.

Accessed Aug. What is a urinalysis also called a "urine test"? National Kidney Foundation. Evaluation of the renal patient. If you already know you have diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, a urinalysis will be used to monitor you.

If a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urine test may show blood or bacteria in the urine. What exactly could they find in urine? Often, substances such as protein or glucose sugar will begin to appear in the urine before patients are aware that they may have a problem. Persistent protein in the urine two positive tests for protein over several weeks is one of the earliest signs of chronic kidney disease. A large amount of glucose in the urine is a sign of potential diabetes.

Urine tests can be used to diagnose urinary tract infections, if bacteria or white blood cells are found. In patients who have already been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, urinalysis may be ordered at intervals as a quick and useful way to monitor function. It can also provide information about whether treatment is reducing the amount of protein in the urine. Skip to main content. August 12, , am EDT.

A urinalysis has three parts: Visual examination of the urine sample for color and clearness. Blood may make urine look red or the color of tea or cola. An infection may make urine look cloudy. A dipstick examination, which uses a chemically treated strip. Strips can check for many things in addition to protein and glucose including: pregnancy, because a hormone that is only made by pregnant women can be found; certain legal and illegal drugs that are processed by the kidney; pH is a measure of the amount of acid in the urine.

An abnormal pH may be a sign of kidney stones, urinary infections, chronic kidney disease or certain disorders that affect growth and development in children; creatinine gives an estimate of the concentration of your urine, which allows for a more accurate protein result. Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle activity, which is found in the urine and blood; bacteria and white blood cells are signs of infection.