### What is a Urinalysis? A urinalysis is a common medical test where a urine sample is examined to diagnose and monitor various illnesses, including diabetes, urinary tract infections, and kidney problems. ### How is a Urinalysis Conducted? 1. **Sample Collection**: A clean urine sample is collected in a specimen cup. This can be done at home or at a doctor's office. Sometimes, a sample is requested first thing in the morning for more accurate results. 2. **Visual Exam**: The urine is examined for its color and clarity. Dark, cloudy, or foamy urine can indicate various medical issues. 3. **Dipstick Test**: A thin strip of plastic with chemicals is dipped into the urine. The strip changes color to measure substances like glucose, proteins, and ketones. 4. **Microscopic Exam**: The urine is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate solid particles, which are then examined under a microscope to detect cells, bacteria, and other substances. ### Why is a Urinalysis Conducted? Urinalyses are useful for detecting medical problems before symptoms arise. They are often performed to: - Monitor overall health - Diagnose medical problems - Monitor existing medical conditions ### What Do the Results Mean? - **Visual Exam**: Normal urine ranges from clear to dark yellow. Abnormal colors or cloudiness can indicate issues like kidney problems or dehydration. - **Dipstick Test**: Measures substances like glucose (high levels can indicate diabetes), proteins, and ketones. - **Microscopic Exam**: Detects cells, bacteria, and other substances that can indicate infections or other conditions. ### Additional Tests Sometimes, a urine culture is also performed to grow bacteria found in the urine sample, which helps diagnose infections. Results for a urinalysis are usually available within a few hours, while a urine culture may take one to three days.