Urinalysis UA Urine Test

UA stands for urinalysis. Urinalysis is the sampling and analysis of urine.

Why Is Urinalysis Done?

Urinalysis is used to detect urinary tract infection, kidney problems, diabetes and many other disorders. It  is a common test that is routinely performed before surgery. It is also part of routine medical examinations or used upon admission to a hospital to assess a patients overall health and screen for a variety of disorders. A doctor may order a urinalysis if his patient is experiencing stomach pain, back pain or urination problems.

The patient provides a urine sample in a container provided by the doctor or laboratory. It is important for the patient to tell the doctor all drugs, vitamins and supplements that he/she is taking as they can affect the results. The best samples are those that are collected early in the morning or when the urine is the most concentrated. The urine sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The urine sample will be analyzed by a trained lab technician by a visual examination, a dipstick test and a microscopic examination.

Visual Examination
Normal urine is usually clear. Cloudiness may indicate and infection. Red or brown color may indicate blood in the urine.

Dipstick Test
A specially coated plastic stick is dipped into the urine. The stick has strips of chemical on it that react and change color upon contact with certain substances or concentrations. A urine dipstick test checks for urine acidity, concentration, proteins, sugars, keytones, bilirubin, infection and blood content.

Microscopic Examination
The patient’s urine is examined under a microscope for presence and concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, epithelial cell, bacteria or yeasts, proteins and crystals.

What Can Urinalysis Show?

It used to detect urinary tract infection, kidney problems, diabetes and many other disorders.

What Are The Risks Associated With Urinalysis?

There are no risks associated with urinalysis. All you do is pee in the cup.

Do I Have To Prepare Before Urinalysis?

Not typically. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, you can eat and drink before the test.

What Happens After The Urinalysis?

Results are forwarded to your doctor. Abnormal results may indicate a problem that requires additional testing. Results do not provide a definitive diagnosis. Abnormal results provide an indicator for the doctor that a problem may exist and that further testing may be necessary.