IMPORTANT NOTE: If negative, microscopic examination is not performed

Synonyms: Routine Urinalysis; UA, Routine

Why It Is Done

Test to screen for a disease or infection of the urinary tract and metabolic and kidney disorders. Also used to monitor the treatment of certain conditions such as diabetes, kidney stones, a urinary tract infection (UTI), hypertension, or some types of kidney or liver disease. Also done as part of a routine physical examination.

Test Overview

A urine test measures several different components of urine, a waste product made by the kidneys. A routine urine screening test may be done to help find the cause for many types of symptoms. The test can provide information about your overall health and clues to many conditions.

The kidneys remove waste material, minerals, fluids, and other substances from the blood for elimination in the urine. Therefore, urine can contain hundreds of different bodily waste products. Many factors, such as diet, fluid intake, exercise, and kidney function, affect what is in your urine.More than 100 different tests can be done on urine. A routine urinalysis usually includes the following tests.

Color, appearance, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, occult blood, leukocyte esterase, nitrite, bilirubin, and urobilinogen.

How To Prepare

Do not eat foods that can discolor the urine, including blackberries, beets, and rhubarb. Do not exercise strenuously before a urine sample is taken.