Urinalysis (UA)
Urinalysis (UA) is a urine test that can detect a variety of conditions.
Urinalysis (UA) Overview
Urinalysis is the examination of the urine to detect as well as monitor various conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- kidney disease
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary tract infection
Urinalysis can also be part of a routine medical exam.
The test consists of several components such as:
- Color
- Odor
- Specific Gravity
- pH
- Leukocyte Esterase
- Nitrates
- Protein
- Glucose
- Ketones
- Urobilinogen
- Bilirubin
- Bacteria
- Casts
- Crystals
- Red Blood Cells and Casts
- White Blood Cells and Casts
Preparation
Urine test
Some medications can cause your urine to change colors which can affect your test. Tell your doctor of all the medications you take. Your doctor may recommend stopping your medication before the test.
Food may also affect the color as well as the ph of your urine. Foods that may cause a change in color include carrots, beets, and blackberries. Tell your doctor if you ate any of these types of food before your test.
What the results mean
Abnormal results may mean you have an illness. Your health care provider will discuss the results with you.
The following are not normally found in urine:
- Bacteria
- Glucose
- Ketones
- Bilirubin
- Hemoglobin
- Nitrites
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
