Urinalysis is a test of urine that can reveal diseases that have gone unnoticed because they do not produce striking signs or symptoms.
Examples include diabetes mellitus, various forms of glomerulonephritis, and chronic urinary tract infections.
Common Urinalysis Tests:
1. Physical Examination:
Color: Normal urine ranges from pale yellow to amber. Variations can result from food, medications, or health conditions.
Clarity: Urine should be clear. Cloudiness can indicate the presence of cells, blood, bacteria, or crystals.
2. Chemical Examination:
pH: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of urine.
Specific Gravity: Assesses the concentration of urine.
Protein: Normally, only small amounts of protein are present. High levels might indicate kidney issues.
Glucose: Sugar shouldn't be present in urine. Its presence might indicate diabetes or another condition.
Ketones: Byproducts from the breakdown of fats. Their presence might indicate diabetes, starvation, or a high-fat diet.
Bilirubin: Its presence can indicate liver disease.
Blood: Small amounts might be seen after strenuous exercise but can also indicate a urinary tract infection or other conditions.
Urobilinogen: Increased levels can indicate liver disease or certain hemolytic disorders.
Leukocytes (or Nitrites): Indicate a urinary tract infection.
3. Microscopic Examination:
Red Blood Cells: Hematuria (blood in urine) can suggest infections, kidney stones, or bladder tumors.
White Blood Cells: Can indicate an infection or inflammation.
Casts: Cylinder-shaped proteins. Their type and amount can indicate specific kidney disorders.
Crystals: Their presence and type can suggest metabolic problems or kidney stones.
Bacteria, Yeasts, and Parasites: Can indicate infections.
This table provides a concise summary of the common urinalysis tests, their main purposes, and the key components or measurements associated with each.