They may encourage you to be tested for one or more of the following:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- hepatitis B
- syphilis
- trichomoniasis
Why do doctors check your urine?
To monitor a medical condition. If you've been diagnosed with a medical condition, such as kidney disease or a urinary tract infection, your doctor might recommend testing your urine regularly to monitor your condition and treatment.
What are the different types of urine tests?
During this exam, several drops of urine are viewed with a microscope. If any of the following are observed in above-average levels, additional testing may be necessary: 1 White blood cells (leukocytes) may be a sign of an infection. 2 Red blood cells (erythrocytes) may be a sign of kidney disease, a blood disorder or another underlying medical condition, such as bladder cancer. 3 Bacteria or yeasts may indicate an infection. 4 Casts — tube-shaped proteins — may form as a result of kidney disorders. 5 Crystals that form from chemicals in urine may be a sign of kidney stones.
What does urinalysis check?
A urinalysis involves checking the appearance, concentration and content of urine. For example, a urinary tract infection can make urine look cloudy instead of clear. Increased levels of protein in urine can be a sign of kidney disease.
What does it mean when you have nitrites in your urine?
Evidence of infection. Either nitrites or leukocyte esterase — a product of white blood cells — in your urine might indicate a urinary tract infection.
Why does my urine turn red?
Blood in the urine can make it look red or brown. Urine color can be influenced by what you've just eaten or by certain drugs you're taking. For example, beets or rhubarb might tint your urine red.
What can affect urinalysis results?
Many drugs, including nonprescription medications and supplements, can affect the results of a urinalysis. Before a urinalysis, tell your doctor about medications, vitamins or other supplements you take.
What does pH mean in urine?
Acidity (pH). The pH level indicates the amount of acid in urine. The pH level might indicate a kidney or urinary tract disorder.
Overview
- A urinalysis is a test of your urine. It's used to detect and manage a wide range of disorders, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes. A urinalysis involves checking the appearance, concentration and content of urine. For example, a urinary tract infection can make urine look cloudy instead of clear. Increased levels of prot...
Why It's Done
- A urinalysis is a common test that's done for several reasons: 1. To check your overall health.A urinalysis might be part of a routine medical exam, pregnancy checkup or pre-surgery preparation. Or it might be used to screen for a variety of disorders, such as diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease, when you're admitted to a hospital. 2. To diagnose a medical condition.A urinalysis mig…
How You Prepare
- If you're having only a urinalysis, you can eat and drink before the test. If you're having other tests, you might need to fast before the test. Your health care provider will give you specific instructions. Many drugs, including nonprescription medications and supplements, can affect the results of a urinalysis. Before a urinalysis, tell your doctor about medications, vitamins or other s…
What You Can Expect
- You might collect a urine sample at home or at your health care provider's office. Providers typically give out containers for urine samples. You might be asked to collect the sample at home first thing in the morning, when your urine is more concentrated. You might be instructed to collect the sample midstream, using a clean-catch method. This method involves the following s…
Results
- For a urinalysis, your urine sample is evaluated in three ways: visual exam, dipstick test and microscopic exam.