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Urinalysis, Routine
Urinalysis, Routine
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Urinalysis, Routine
Category: Urinalysis.
Subcategory: Physical and chemical tests.
Material studied: Urine.
Estimated cost of test: $3.75.
Patient time for test: 2-3 minutes.
Reliability of test results: Good.
Available as home self-test? Yes. See Chemstrip 8.
Note: Very useful screening tests. Abnormal results require further testing.
BEFORE THE TEST
Purpose of test:
Screens for kidney or urinary-tract infections.
Helps detect diseases unrelated to kidney disorders.
Where is test performed?
Commercial laboratory, hospital, doctor's office.
Who performs test?
Lab technician, nurse, doctor.
Risks and precautions:
None.
Patient preparation:
Activity--Avoid strenuous exercise before the test.
Diet--No changes necessary.
Medicines--Inform the person performing the test if you have recently taken any medications listed under Taking these drugs may affect test results. You may be asked not to take this medication before the test.
Disrobing--None required.
THE TEST
Sensory factors:
Seeing--Urine color varies greatly, whether you're healthy or ill. Tell the technician, nurse or doctor if urine appears red, cloudy, smoky or has any other strange appearance or color.
Smelling--Urine may have a noticeably abnormal odor if it is concentrated. Many drugs and foods affect the smell and other characteristics of urine. Report any unusual odors to the technician, nurse or doctor.
Feeling--Collecting a urine specimen should not cause pain. If it does, notify the technician, nurse or doctor.
Other senses (touch, hearing, taste)--Not affected.
Equipment used:
Sterile urine container.
Dip-stick analysis or reagent strip.
Description of test:
See Appendix 4 for instructions on collecting a urine sample.
Collect a urine specimen of at least 15ml (about 1 tablespoon) or more.
If possible, collect the first-voided morning urine.
Take urine sample to laboratory or test it at home, as your doctor orders.
AFTER THE TEST
Immediate post-test care:
None.
Activity after test:
Resume taking any medications that were withheld before the test.
Return to pretest activities right away.
Time before test results available:
Test requires only a few minutes in the laboratory. Time before results are reported to the doctor or patient varies from a few minutes to a few days.
TEST RESULTS
Test values:
Test results are determined by visual inspection, strip-stick chemical analysis for protein, sugar and ketones, and microscopic exam for cells, casts* and crystals.
Normal values:
See Appendix 5 for normal findings in routine urinalysis.
What ABNORMAL may indicate:
See Appendix 8 for abnormal findings in routine urinalysis.
Taking these drugs may affect test results:
See Appendix 6.
Other factors that may affect test results:
Strenuous exercise before test.
*See Glossary.
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From Complete Guide to Medical Tests by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Fisher Books. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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