Urinalysis

A fundamental diagnostic test to assess kidney function, hydration status, and detect infections or metabolic disorders

Urinalysis

Table of contents

Basic data

Urinalysis is a basic yet powerful diagnostic tool that analyzes the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine. It helps evaluate hydration, detect urinary tract infections (UTIs), assess kidney function, and uncover signs of metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

The test is fast, inexpensive, and often used in routine health screening or when symptoms like fatigue, frequent urination, or flank pain are present. It can detect early dysfunction before symptoms escalate.

Category: Lab urine panel

Level: Beginner

Usefulness: Medium

Level

Beginner

Suitable for general population screening, urinalysis is a low-barrier, beginner-level test. It provides important insights into renal, urinary, and systemic health and is often performed alongside blood tests during routine checkups.

Usefulness

Medium

Urinalysis is a multi-purpose test used to detect infections, assess kidney health, monitor hydration, and uncover metabolic issues.
Detects urinary tract infections

Presence of nitrites, leukocytes, or bacteria suggests possible UTI — especially useful when symptoms are unclear.

Assesses kidney and metabolic health

Detects protein, glucose, or blood in urine, which can indicate kidney damage, diabetes, or hypertension-related issues.

Evaluates hydration and overall function

Urine color, specific gravity, and pH reflect hydration status and acid-base balance, helping to guide lifestyle or protocol adjustments.

How it works

Urine samples are analyzed using dipstick chemical tests, microscopy, and visual inspection for signs of abnormal composition or contamination.
Sample collection

A midstream clean-catch urine sample is collected into a sterile container — usually first morning urine is preferred for consistency.

Chemical and microscopic analysis

Dipstick tests measure various compounds (e.g. protein, glucose, pH), while microscopic analysis identifies cells, crystals, and microbes.

Measures

Urinalysis provides both visual and chemical data, assessing a range of markers related to kidney function, hydration, and infection.
Specific gravity

Indicates urine concentration — used to assess hydration or kidney concentrating ability.

pH

Reflects urine acidity or alkalinity; may be influenced by diet, medications, or underlying conditions.

Protein

Presence suggests possible kidney damage or inflammation.

Glucose

Can indicate diabetes or impaired glucose regulation if persistently present.

Leukocytes and nitrites

Signs of bacterial infection and immune response in the urinary tract.

Microscopic elements

Includes red/white blood cells, casts, crystals — helpful in diagnosing kidney disease or stones.

Reliability

Urinalysis is widely used and generally reliable, but certain results require confirmation with additional testing.
Repeatability

High repeatability when samples are fresh and properly collected. Dipstick readings are standardized but may vary slightly by lab.

Sensitivity to conditions

Results can be affected by dehydration, menstruation, physical activity, or sample contamination.

Limitations

Urinalysis is a screening test — abnormalities often require further investigation with imaging, blood tests, or culture.
May yield false positives or negatives

Color, medications, or improper collection can distort results. Retesting is often needed for confirmation.

Cannot diagnose conditions alone

Urinalysis suggests potential issues but does not confirm specific diseases without context.

Frequency

Suggested cadence

Recommended annually as part of preventive health screening, or more frequently in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or kidney risk.

Cost

Typical costs

Urinalysis is inexpensive, typically $5–15 USD or 20–50 PLN in most labs. Often bundled with routine bloodwork.

Availability

Where available

Available in nearly all laboratories and clinics. No special equipment or preparation is needed.

Preparation

How to prepare

Avoid intense physical activity, vitamin C supplements, and certain medications before testing. First morning urine is preferred.

Interpretation

Abnormal findings should be reviewed in clinical context — hydration, medications, and symptoms all influence results.
Normal result

Indicates good kidney function, hydration, and absence of infection or metabolic abnormalities.

Abnormal findings

Presence of blood, protein, glucose, or nitrites may indicate underlying pathology and require further evaluation.

Alternatives

24-hour urine collection

Measures total urine output and compound excretion over a full day — more precise but less convenient.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine

Blood-based kidney function markers that often complement urinalysis to assess renal health.

FAQ

Can diet or supplements affect urinalysis?

Yes. Certain foods (beets, asparagus), supplements (vitamin C, B), and drugs can alter color or interfere with dipstick chemistry.

Should I be worried if protein or blood appears once?

Not necessarily — many factors can cause temporary abnormalities. Your doctor may recommend retesting or additional diagnostics.