URINALYSIS
Detect and track your health through a urine sample.
A urinalysis examines your urine. It is used to detect and keep track of a wide range of health issues and disorders, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.
This lab analysis involves checking the appearance, concentration, and content of urine. It might be part of your routine medical exam, pregnancy checkup, or pre-surgery preparation because it can help diagnose a medical condition and monitor a specific medical condition.
What you need to know about the urinalysis:
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You might not need to fast if you're having only a urinalysis.
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Many drugs, including nonprescription medications and supplements, can affect the results of a urinalysis. Before a urinalysis, tell your doctor about medications, vitamins, or other supplements you take.
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You can collect a urine sample at home or at our facility.
The Test
For a urinalysis, your urine sample is evaluated in three ways:
Visual exam
One of our lab technicians examines the urine's appearance. Urine is typically clear, if the sample is not looking clear there might be an issue.
Dipstick test
A thin, plastic stick and sanitized dipstick are placed in the sample. The chemical strips change color if certain substances are present or if their levels are above typical levels. This dipstick test checks for:
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The pH level indicates the amount of acid in urine.
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The concentration of the urine.
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Protein levels in the urine sample.
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The amount of sugar (glucose) in urine.
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The amount of ketones detected in your urine.
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Bilirubin in your urine might indicate liver damage or disease.
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Infection
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Blood
Microscopic exam
This test involves viewing under microscope drops of a urine sample that have been spun in a machine. This takes a look at your:
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White blood cells (leukocytes) might be a sign of an infection.
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Red blood cells (erythrocytes) might be a sign of kidney disease, a blood disorder, or another underlying medical condition.
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Bacteria, yeast, or parasites can indicate an infection.
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Casts can be a result of kidney disorders.
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Crystals that form from chemicals in urine might be a sign of kidney stones.
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A urinalysis alone usually does not provide a final diagnosis. Depending on the reason you were recommended this test, you might need follow-up for unusual results. Evaluation of the urinalysis results with other tests can help your provider determine the next steps.
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For specifics about what your urinalysis results mean, contact us.