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Urinalysis - Overview

Alternative Names

Urine appearance and color; Routine urine test

Definition of Urinalysis:

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

How the test is performed:

A urine sample is needed. Your health care provider will tell you what type of urine sample is needed. For information on how to collect a urine sample, see:

There are three basic steps to a complete urinalysis:

Physical color and appearance:

What does the urine look like to the naked eye?
Is it clear or cloudy?
Is it pale or dark yellow or another color?

The urine specific gravity test reveals how concentrated or dilute the urine is.

Microscopic appearance:

The urine sample is examined under a microscope. This is done to look at cells, urine crystals, mucus, and other substances, and to identify any bacteria or other microorganisms that might be present.

Chemical appearance:

A special stick ("dipstick") tests for various substances in the urine. The stick contains little pads of chemicals that change color when they come in contact with the substances of interest.

How to prepare for the test:

Certain medicines change the color of urine, but this is not a sign of disease. Your doctor 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
Phenothiazines
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 you if you are being treated for these conditions
To check for blood in the urine
To diagnose a urinary tract infection

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Reviewed last on: 3/14/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

McPherson RA, Ben-Ezra J, Zhao S. Basic Examination of Urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR. McPherson & Pincus: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company; 2006:chap 27.

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