What is this test?
Urine complete analysis or urinalysis is a very common laboratory test performed on urine (pee). It shows abnormal changes in color, concentration, and composition of urine, helpful in detection of an underlying disease.
Why is this test performed?
- To evaluate regular health status
- Detection of pregnancy
- Drug screening
- Diagnosis of underlying diseases:
- Kidney diseases
- Liver diseases
- Diabetes
- Urinary tract infections
- What medicines can affect my urine analysis?
A few medicines may affect your test:
Supplements like vitamin C
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Riboflavin
Methocarbamol
- How much urine is required for testing?
A minimum of 30ml is required for urine analysis, collected in a sterile cup.
- Can I collect urine sample at home?
Yes, urine samples may be collected at home but should be provided to the laboratory within an hour.
- Abnormally high levels of protein in urine mean?
Excessively high levels of proteins may be a sign of an underlying disease, such as:
- Kidney disease
- Heart problem
- Diabetes
- Leukemia
- High blood pressure.
- Can I drink water before the test?
Yes, you may drink 1-2 glasses of fluid before the test to help you easily pass the urine sample. Do not drink an excessive amount of fluids.
Normal characteristics of urine analysis are:
Volume: 1.2 – 2 L/day
Color: Amber yellow
Odor: Aromatic odor
pH: 4.5 – 8.0
Protein: Negligible
Glucose: Absent
Blood: Absent
Bacteria: Absent
Crystals: Absent
- Positive urine culture: The presence of a single type of bacteria growing at high colony counts is considered a positive urine culture.
- Negative urine culture: A culture that is reported as "no growth in 24 or 48 hours" usually indicates that there is no infection. If the symptoms persist, however, a urine culture may be repeated on another sample to look for the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms that may cause these symptoms.
