What can be detected in a urine test?

Introduction

Urinalysis, commonly known as a urine test, is a crucial diagnostic tool used by healthcare professionals to assess various aspects of a person’s health. By analyzing the composition of urine, medical professionals can detect a wide range of conditions and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. This article explores the ins and outs of urine tests, including what they entail, what they can reveal, and why they are important.

What Is Urinalysis?

Urinalysis is a laboratory test that examines the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine. It provides valuable information about the functioning of the kidneys, urinary tract, and other organs. Urine is composed of waste products, excess substances, and fluids filtered out by the kidneys from the bloodstream. Analysing urine can help diagnose conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney disorders, diabetes, etc.

How Is A Urine Test Conducted?[Male | Female]

Every urine test has three parts, where the sample is tested to see if the provider is having any issues are not. The three processes are the same for both males and females and here are the three steps followed during a urine test.

Visual Assessment

Visual assessment serves as a quick and informative screening tool, helping healthcare providers identify potential abnormalities that lead to further investigation through laboratory analysis. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the urine sample and the assessment is documented and considered alongside other test results to formulate an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Visual assessment during a urine test consists of

• The colour of urine depends on hydration, diet, medication and your health condition. Normally urine is from pale yellow to amber, but abnormal colours like red, orange, green or brown mean you have the presence of blood, bilirubin or other substances in your urine.
• Normal urine is clear or slightly cloudy which is due to the presence of suspended particles like mucus, epithelial cells or crystals. And, excessive cloudiness indicates infection and stones in your urinary tract, or sometimes pathological conditions.
• One of the characteristics of urine is that it has a slight odour, but if it is strong or causes a foul smell, then it is related to some medical conditions. This might be caused by certain foods, medications or supplements.
• Your urine volume can give insights into the hydration status and kidney function. 

Dipstick Test

A dipstick test is a quick diagnostic tool used to evaluate various components of urine. It involves immersing a chemically treated strip, called a dipstick, into a urine sample and interpreting the colour changes that occur. This simple and cost-effective method provides valuable information about the presence of certain substances in the urine, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions. Here are the components that a dipstick test can assess,

• The amount of acidity or alkalinity (pH level) present in your urine can be found with a colour change in the dipstick.
• A specific gravity test reveals the hydration status of an individual’s kidney function.
• If protein is found in urine, it indicates that there is damage or disease in your kidney.
• A higher amount of glucose in urine is a sign of diabetes and other diabetic disorders.
• If you have an inadequate insulin level or a medical condition like diabetic ketoacidosis, it is easily found using the presence of ketones.
• The dipstick test can sometimes find traces of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the urine, an indication of infection in the urinary tract, kidney stones or other renal disorders.
• With the help of nutrites present in urine you can easily find the presence of bacteria, which might be the reason for urinary tract infection.
• Having a higher amount of leukocytes may be a cause of inflammation or infection in the urinary tract.

Microscopic Exam

In urine analysis, a microscopic exam gives valuable insights into the composition of urine at a cellular level. The process involves the visual inspection of sediments present in urine after the centrifugation process. When the sediments are examined under a microscope to find information about, kidney function, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other inflammations and disorders. With this test, medical professionals provide the appropriate treatment and monitor the health of patients.

Sometimes you will be instructed to take tests like blood tests and ECG-EEG tests along with urine tests for a comprehensive analysis of the overall health of your body.

Can I Drink Water Before The Urine Test?

Yes, generally, it is acceptable to drink water before a urine test. Staying hydrated by drinking water is often encouraged before providing a urine sample. Adequate hydration helps ensure that there is enough urine produced for the test and can aid in obtaining accurate results. However, it’s essential to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the testing facility. In some cases, such as certain medical tests or procedures, you may be advised to avoid drinking water or other fluids for a specified period before the test. Always consult with your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your circumstances.

What Can A Urine Test Reveal?

A urine test can reveal a lot of things about a person’s health, helping doctors to provide the required treatment and care. Here is a list of things that can be revealed with a urine test.

• Hydration Status: Urine colour and concentration can provide insight into a person’s hydration status. Dark yellow urine may indicate dehydration, while clear or pale yellow urine suggests adequate hydration.
• Kidney Function: Urinalysis can assess the health and function of the kidneys by measuring factors such as protein levels, creatinine levels, and the presence of blood or abnormal cells in the urine.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): The presence of bacteria, white blood cells, or nitrates in the urine may indicate a urinary tract infection, which can affect the kidneys, bladder, or urethra.
• Diabetes Monitoring: Urine tests can detect the presence of glucose and ketones in the urine, which may indicate poorly controlled diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Liver Function: Elevated levels of bilirubin or urobilinogen in the urine can indicate liver dysfunction or disease.
• Presence of Blood: The presence of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the urine may indicate various conditions, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or kidney disease.
• Drug Use: Urine tests can detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in the urine, which can be useful for screening purposes or monitoring medication compliance.
• Metabolic Disorders: Abnormal levels of substances such as calcium, oxalate, or cystine in the urine may indicate metabolic disorders that affect kidney function or increase the risk of kidney stones.
• Pregnancy: Urine tests can detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, allowing for early detection of pregnancy.

What Happens During A Urine Test?

Are you unsure of what happens during a urine test? It involves a set of steps to analyse your urine sample and provide the results from it. The things that happen during a urine test are provided in the same order here just for you.

• The first step involves collecting a urine sample. Patients are provided with a clean container in which to collect their urine. They are instructed on proper collection techniques to prevent contamination.
• Once the urine sample is collected, a healthcare professional or laboratory technician visually inspects the urine for its colour, clarity, and odour. Normal urine is typically pale to dark yellow, clear, and has a mild odour.
• The next step involves conducting physical tests to assess specific gravity, pH levels, and the presence of abnormal substances such as protein, glucose, or blood. This is usually done using chemical reagent strips that change colour in response to different substances in the urine.
• A portion of the urine sample is centrifuged to concentrate any particles present in the urine sediment. The concentrated sediment is then examined under a microscope to identify and quantify elements such as red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts, crystals, bacteria, and yeast.
• The results of the urine test are interpreted based on established reference ranges and clinical guidelines. Abnormal findings may indicate various health conditions, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, or metabolic disorders.
• Once the analysis is complete, the results of the urine test are documented in a report and communicated to the healthcare provider or patient. The report may include information on the physical and chemical properties of the urine, as well as any abnormalities detected during the microscopic examination.

Are you also have an MRI scan and don’t know what happens during the test, then check out Preparing For An MRI Scan: What To Expect And How To Prepare.

What Is A Normal Urine Report?

Do you have your urinalysis report on your hand and want to check if everything is all right in the test? Here are the normal values that you should look out for in the report. But, don’t take matters into your own hands, cause the doctor knows the better way to read reports and provide the right treatment that is suitable for you.

• Colour – Yellow (light/pale to dark/deep amber)
• Clarity/turbidity – Clear or cloudy
• pH – 4.5-8
• Specific gravity – 1.005-1.025
• Glucose – ≤130 mg/d
• Ketones – None
• Nitrites – Negative
• Leukocyte esterase – Negative
• Bilirubin – Negative
• Urobilirubin – Small amount (0.5-1 mg/dL)
• Blood – ≤3 RBCs
• Protein – ≤150 mg/d
• RBCs – ≤2 RBCs/hpf
• WBCs – ≤2-5 WBCs/hpf
• Squamous epithelial cells – ≤15-20 squamous epithelial cells/hpf
• Casts – 0-5 hyaline casts/lpf
• Crystals – Occasionally
• Bacteria – None
• Yeast – None

Conclusion

Urinalysis plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of various health conditions. By providing valuable insights into kidney function, hydration status, and metabolic processes, urine tests help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about patient care. Whether it’s detecting urinary tract infections, monitoring diabetes, or screening for drug use, the information obtained from a urine test can be invaluable in maintaining overall health and well-being