Urine Test

A urine test, also called urinalysis, is a common diagnostic test that examines a sample of your urine. It's used to check for various health conditions, monitor kidney function, detect infections, and screen for diseases. Urine tests are simple, non-invasive, and provide valuable information about your health.

There are different types of urine tests, each checking for specific things. Some are routine screening tests, while others are ordered to investigate specific symptoms or conditions.

Urine tests can check for:

• Infection: Bacteria, white blood cells (UTI)
• Kidney function: Protein, waste products
• Diabetes: Glucose, ketones
• Liver function: Bilirubin
• Dehydration: Concentration
• Blood: Red blood cells (bleeding)
• Pregnancy: HCG hormone
• Drugs: Various substances
• Crystals: Kidney stones
• pH and other properties: Acidity, specific gravity

Usually minimal preparation needed:

• You can eat and drink normally
• Take medications as usual (unless told otherwise)
• May be asked to collect first morning urine (most concentrated)
• Clean collection area before providing sample

For Clean Catch Sample:

• Clean genital area
• Start urinating, then collect midstream
• Don't touch inside of container
• Provide adequate amount

Special Instructions (if given):

• May need to avoid certain foods
• May need to stop certain medications
• Follow specific instructions from your doctor

During Collection:

1. You'll be given a sterile container
2. Go to bathroom
3. Clean genital area (if instructed)
4. Collect urine sample (midstream for clean catch)
5. Return container to staff
6. Usually takes just a few minutes

After Collection:

• You can resume normal activities
• Sample is sent to laboratory
• Results usually available in 1-3 days
• Your doctor will contact you with results

Types of Collection:

• Random sample: Collected at any time
• First morning sample: Most concentrated
• 24-hour collection: All urine over 24 hours (special test)
• Clean catch: Midstream collection to avoid contamination

Normal Results:

• No bacteria or white blood cells
• No or minimal protein
• No glucose
• No blood
• Normal pH
• Normal concentration

Abnormal Findings May Include:

• Bacteria/white blood cells: Possible infection
• Protein: May indicate kidney problems
• Glucose: May indicate diabetes
• Blood: May indicate infection, stones, or other problems
• Ketones: May indicate diabetes or other conditions
• Crystals: May indicate kidney stones
• High concentration: May indicate dehydration

Important: Always discuss results with your healthcare provider rather than trying to interpret them yourself. Results need to be considered in context of your symptoms and other tests.

• Results outside normal range
• Unexpected findings
• Questions about results
• Need for follow-up testing
• Symptoms related to findings

• Results within normal range
• Routine screening with no concerns
• Understanding your results
• Following recommended follow-up

1. Urinalysis (UA):

   • Most common type
   • Checks multiple things
   • Routine screening
   • Detects infections, kidney problems

2. Urine Culture:

   • Checks for bacterial infection
   • Identifies specific bacteria
   • Determines antibiotic sensitivity
   • Used for UTIs

3. 24-Hour Urine Collection:

   • Collects all urine over 24 hours
   • Measures total protein, creatinine
   • Used for specific kidney tests
   • Requires careful collection

4. Pregnancy Test:

   • Detects HCG hormone
   • Can be done on urine
   • Home tests available
   • Very accurate

5. Drug Screening:

   • Detects various substances
   • Used for employment, legal, medical purposes
   • Different types available

Clean the genital area, start urinating, then collect midstream urine into the sterile container. Don't touch the inside of the container.

Usually yes. Most urine tests don't require fasting. However, follow any specific instructions from your doctor.

Most routine urine test results are available within 1-3 days. Some specialized tests may take longer. Your doctor's office will contact you with results.

If bacteria and white blood cells are found, it may indicate a urinary tract infection. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. Drink plenty of fluids and follow treatment instructions.

Yes. Some medications can affect results. Always tell your doctor about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.