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Panel Overview
Urinalysis (UA) is one of the most commonly performed laboratory tests and provides valuable information about kidney function, urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders, and systemic diseases. A complete urinalysis consists of three components: physical examination (color, clarity, specific gravity), chemical analysis (dipstick testing), and microscopic examination of urine sediment.
This non-invasive test can detect a wide range of conditions including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and various metabolic disorders. The urinalysis is often used as a screening tool and can guide further diagnostic workup.
Clinical Applications
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Detection of leukocyte esterase, nitrites, and pyuria
- Kidney Disease: Screening for proteinuria, hematuria, and casts indicating glomerular or tubular disease
- Diabetes Mellitus: Detection of glucosuria and ketonuria
- Dehydration Assessment: Evaluation of urine concentration via specific gravity
- Acid-Base Disorders: Assessment of urine pH in metabolic acidosis/alkalosis
- Kidney Stones: Identification of crystals, hematuria, and pH abnormalities
- Hematuria Workup: Differentiation of glomerular vs non-glomerular bleeding
- Pregnancy Screening: Detection of proteinuria in preeclampsia
Dipstick Chemical Analysis
Specific Gravity
Measures urine concentration and kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine. Essential for assessing hydration status and renal concentrating ability.
Urine pH
Reflects acid-base status and can indicate renal tubular acidosis, UTI, or dietary factors. Helps guide treatment for kidney stones.
Urine Protein
Proteinuria indicates kidney damage, glomerular disease, or systemic conditions. Key marker for chronic kidney disease and preeclampsia.
Urine Glucose
Glucosuria indicates hyperglycemia exceeding renal threshold or renal tubular dysfunction. Common in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
Urine Ketones
Ketonuria indicates fat metabolism due to starvation, diabetic ketoacidosis, or low-carbohydrate diets. Critical finding in DKA diagnosis.
Urine Blood
Hematuria can indicate UTI, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, trauma, or malignancy. Requires microscopy to confirm and differentiate causes.
Leukocyte Esterase
Marker of white blood cells in urine indicating urinary tract infection or inflammation. Sensitive screening test for UTI.
Urine Nitrites
Indicates presence of nitrate-reducing bacteria (E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus). Highly specific for bacterial UTI when positive.