urinanalys

Urinanalys, or urinalysis, is a panel of laboratory tests performed on urine to assess general health and detect a broad range of disorders, including kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and metabolic conditions. A routine urinalysis combines physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine.

Physical examination looks at color, clarity, odor, and volume. Chemical analysis uses reagent strips to measure pH, specific gravity, and substances such as protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, and urobilinogen, along with nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and sometimes blood. Microscopic examination analyzes urine sediment for red and white blood cells, epithelial cells, crystals, casts, and bacteria.

Specimen collection is typically a midstream clean-catch sample. Alternatives include catheterized or suprapubic samples. First-morning specimens may be preferred for certain tests. Keep the sample clean and protected from contamination, and analyze promptly (ideally within two hours) or refrigerate if delay is unavoidable.

Interpretation relies on reference ranges and clinical context. Positive nitrites or leukocyte esterase can indicate infection; proteinuria may reflect kidney disease; hematuria has many causes. Abnormal results usually prompt confirmation with a urine culture, repeat testing, or additional investigations.

Limitations include false positives and negatives, contamination from menstrual blood, recent exercise, and dietary factors. Urinanalys is a routine screening and diagnostic tool used in primary care and hospital settings to guide further testing and management.