19/10/2025
Urinalysis
Urine is made of water containing substances that are the waste products from the normal functions of the body. The kidneys make urine when they filter blood. In some health conditions there are substances in urine that should not be there or are there in higher amounts than they should be.
Urinalysis assesses the appearance, concentration and content of urine to help detect a wide range of health conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, and diabetes. It might be part of a routine health check or used to investigate specific symptoms.
In a dipstick analysis test, a thin plastic strip is dipped into a sample of your urine. The strip has bands or squares that change colour if certain substances are present or present in high concentrations. If something unusual is found, it can lead to further tests. In some cases, a microscope or automated analyser is used to examine the sample more closely.
A dipstick test is usually done: in hospital, before surgery, part of a routine check-up in specific symptoms such as a UTI; to monitor health for those with ongoing condition such as diabetes and kidney disease.
Visual examination: This looks at the colour and clarity of the urine, which can provide initial clues about health. The colour may change due to certain foods, medications, or illness. Chemical examination (dipstick test); a plastic strip with chemical pads is used to test for substances like sugar, protein, and nitrites, which provide information about potential diseases. Microscopic examination; drops of urine are looked at under a microscope to check for cells, bacteria, and other components that could signal illness.
The dipstick test check for acidity (pH): unusual pH levels can suggest kidney problems or kidney stones; concentration (specific gravity): this shows how concentrated urine is, helping to assess hydration or kidney function. protein: high levels can indicate a kidney problem; glucose: if there is any glucose (sugar) in the urine may need further tests for diabetes; ketones: these can be an early warning of diabetes; nitrites/leukocyte esterase: these are signs of a possible UTI; blood: this could indicate a UTI, kidney stones, or, in rare cases, more serious conditions like cancer/
Microscopic examination is done by looking at several drops of urine under a microscope or more likely with automated urine analyser. This looks for, white blood cells (also called pus cells or leukocytes): increased numbers of these may be a sign of infection; red blood cells (erythrocytes): an increase may indicate kidney disease, blood disorder or other conditions such as bladder cancer; bacteria or yeasts: these may indicate infection; casts: these are tube shaped proteins that indicate a possible kidney disorder; crystals: these may be a sign of kidney stones.
The sample can be collected at any time unless otherwise stated. The first morning sample is the most useful because it is more concentrated. It is important to collect a mid-stream (clean catch) urine sample if a UTI is suspected. This is to reduce the chance of contamination by the normal bacteria that is on the skin.
There is usually no special preparation for a urine test. However, one may be asked to avoid certain foods or medicines that could affect the results. The results from dipstick tests are usually immediate. If there is an abnormal result, the sample might be sent for further analysis which can take some time depending on what needs to be analysed.
