Routine Urine Test – Indications, Procedures, Results

Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist
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Rx Lab Test (A - Z)

Routine urine test

Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves several tests to detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine.

A routine urine culture detects the number of germs (microorganisms like bacteria) present in the urine. Once a urine sample is collected, a technician will keep it in conditions where microorganisms can multiply. Normally, no more than a small number of germs will be in the urine if there’s no infection.

How the Test is Performed

A urine sample is needed. Your health care provider will tell you what type of urine sample is needed. Two common methods of collecting urine are 24-hour urine collection and clean catch urine specimens.

The sample is sent to a lab, where it is examined for the following:

PHYSICAL COLOR AND APPEARANCE

How the urine sample looks to the naked eye:

  • Is it clear or cloudy?
  • Is it pale, dark yellow, or another color?

MICROSCOPIC APPEARANCE

The urine sample is examined under a microscope to:

  • Check if there are any cells, urine crystals, urinary casts, mucus, and other substances.
  • Identify any bacteria or other germs.

CHEMICAL APPEARANCE ( urine chemistry )

  • A special strip (dipstick) is used to test for substances in the urine sample. The strip has pads of chemicals that change color when they come in contact with substances of interest.

Examples of specific urinalysis tests that may be done to check for problems include:

  • Red blood cell urine test
  • Glucose urine test
  • Protein urine test
  • Urine pH urine test
  • Ketones urine test
  • Bilirubin urine test
  • Urine specific gravity test

How to Prepare for the Test

Certain medicines change the color of urine, but this is not a sign of disease. Your provider may tell you to stop taking any medicines that can affect test results.

Medicines that can change your urine color include:

  • Chloroquine
  • Iron supplements
  • Levodopa
  • Nitrofurantoin
  • Phenazopyridine
  • Phenothiazine
  • Phenytoin
  • Riboflavin
  • Triamterene

How the Test will Feel

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

A urinalysis may be done:

  • As part of a routine medical exam to screen for early signs of disease
  • If you have signs of diabetes or kidney disease, or to monitor if you are being treated for these conditions
  • To check for blood in the urine
  • To diagnose a urinary tract infection

Normal Results

Normal urine varies in color from almost colorless to dark yellow. Some foods, such as beets and blackberries, may turn urine red.

Usually, glucose, ketones, protein, and bilirubin are not detectable in urine. The following are not normally found in urine:

  • Hemoglobin
  • Nitrites
  • Red blood cells
  • White blood cells

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may mean you have an illness, such as:

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Kidney stones
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Bladder or kidney cancer

Your provider can discuss the results with you.

Risks

There are no risks.

Considerations

If a home test is used, the person reading the results must be able to see the difference between colors, because the results are interpreted using a color chart.

FAQ

What are 4 types of tests done on urine?

Examples of specific urinalysis tests that may be done to check for problems include:
  • Red blood cell urine test.
  • Glucose urine test.
  • Protein urine test.
  • Urine pH level test.
  • Ketones urine test.
  • Bilirubin urine test.
  • Urine-specific gravity test.

Can I drink water before a routine urine test?

  • Before your test, make sure to drink plenty of water so you can give an adequate urine sample. However, drinking excessive amounts of water may cause inaccurate results. One or two extra glasses of fluid, which can include juice or milk if your diet allows, is all you need the day of the test.

What are normal urine test results?

  • Normal urine color is usually some shade of yellow and can range from colorless or pale yellow to deep amber, depending on how concentrated or diluted (watery) your urine is. Many things can affect the color of your urine, including certain medications and supplements and certain foods you eat, such as beets.

Why urine routine test is done?

  • It’s used to detect and manage a wide range of disorders, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes. A urinalysis involves checking the appearance, concentration, and content of urine. For example, a urinary tract infection can make urine look cloudy instead of clear.

What infections can be found in urine?

Types of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • urethritis – infection of the urethra.
  • cystitis – infection of the bladder.
  • pyelonephritis – infection of the kidneys.
  • vaginitis – infection of the vagina.

What should you not do before a urine test?

  • Before the test, don’t eat foods that can change the color of your urine. Examples of these include blackberries, beets, and rhubarb. Don’t do heavy exercise before the test. Tell your doctor about ALL the medicines and natural health products you take.

Is the urine test done empty stomach?

  • No special preparation is required for the Urine test. You just need to make sure that you are empty stomach and filled with water. At least have 3-4 glasses of water 10 mins before the test.

What are abnormalities in urine?

  • Abnormal urine color may be caused by infection, disease, medicines, or food you eat. Cloudy or milky urine is a sign of a urinary tract infection, which may also cause a bad smell. Milky urine may also be caused by bacteria, crystals, fat, white or red blood cells, or mucus in the urine.

How long does a urine routine test take?

  • When Will I Get My Results? Your doctor’s office will call in 1 to 3 days. They’ll go over the results with you. Jan 18, 2022

Can urine routine tests detect UTIs?

  • When a person begins to experience changes related to urination or other symptoms that can be tied to liver or kidney problems, a doctor may recommend urinalysis to help determine the cause. Urinalysis can help detect urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other conditions that affect the function of the urinary system.

What are the symptoms of bacteria in urine?

Symptoms
  • Pain or burning while urinating.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder.
  • Bloody urine.
  • Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.

What color should morning pee be?

  • Morning is when your urine will be most concentrated. So, if your morning urine is a pale, straw color, you’re probably well hydrated and healthy. At bedtime, it should look as clear as water or at least pale yellow. If it doesn’t, you may need to boost your fluid intake.

Do I have to use the first-morning urine?

  • To get an accurate result, most experts recommend taking a pregnancy test in the morning. Why? While you’re sleeping, hCG becomes more concentrated in your urine. Unless you wake up in the middle of the night to pee, first thing in the morning is the best time for early detection of pregnancy.

What is first-morning urine used for?

  • First voided specimen: Sample also referred to as a first-morning specimen. This sample is collected the first time the patient urinates in the morning. A first voided specimen is the most concentrated and is the preferred specimen for pregnancy testing, bacterial cultures, and microscopic examinations.

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