What is a urinalysis?
A urinalysis is a laboratory examination of urine. Depending on the laboratory and the ordered test, it may include a visual assessment, chemical testing with a reagent strip, and microscopic examination of urine sediment.
A urinalysis is a laboratory examination of urine. Depending on the laboratory and the ordered test, it may include a visual assessment, chemical testing with a reagent strip, and microscopic examination of urine sediment.
The exact list of reported values varies. A urinalysis is different from a urine culture, quantitative urine protein testing, and other specialized urine tests.
What does a urinalysis show?
A urinalysis can reveal changes in urine concentration, acidity, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and other elements.
A urinalysis can reveal changes in urine concentration, acidity, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and other elements.
These findings may provide information relevant to the urinary tract, kidneys, glucose metabolism, liver and bile-related processes, hydration, and sample quality. One abnormal value does not establish a diagnosis.
| Part of the test | What it assesses |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Color and clarity |
| Physical properties | Urine concentration, usually reported as specific gravity |
| Chemical test | pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, blood, nitrite, leukocyte esterase, and other strip values |
| Microscopy | Red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts, crystals, bacteria, yeast, and other particles |
When is a urinalysis ordered?
A urinalysis may be ordered as part of a routine examination, to investigate urinary symptoms, to assess kidney-related concerns, during pregnancy, before a procedure, or to monitor a known condition.
A urinalysis may be ordered as part of a routine examination, to investigate urinary symptoms, to assess kidney-related concerns, during pregnancy, before a procedure, or to monitor a known condition.
| Situation | Why a urinalysis may be useful |
|---|---|
| Burning, pain, frequent urination, or urgency | To assess white blood cells, nitrite, blood, and other findings |
| Back or side pain, visible blood, or suspected stones | To assess red blood cells, crystals, and other urine findings |
| Diabetes or high blood glucose | To assess glucose and ketones in the urine |
| Kidney disease or risk factors | To assess protein, blood, sediment, and related findings |
| Pregnancy or routine examination | As part of a broader assessment |
| Monitoring a known condition | To compare changes over time |
How to collect a urine sample
A clean-catch midstream sample is commonly used. Follow the laboratory’s instructions because the required sample type and timing may differ.
A clean-catch midstream sample is commonly used. Follow the laboratory’s instructions because the required sample type and timing may differ.
Step-by-step midstream collection
- Wash your hands.
- Clean the external genital area according to the instructions provided.
- Begin urinating into the toilet.
- Without touching the inside of the container or lid, collect the middle portion of the urine stream.
- Finish urinating into the toilet.
- Close the container securely.
- Deliver the sample within the time stated by the laboratory or store it exactly as instructed.
Practical guidance
| Question | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Does it have to be the first morning urine? | Not always. Follow the instructions for the specific test |
| Do I need to fast? | Usually not for urinalysis itself |
| Can I collect a sample during menstruation? | External blood may affect the result. Ask the laboratory or clinician whether to postpone the test or use special collection instructions |
| What container should I use? | Use a clean sterile urine container approved by the laboratory |
| How much urine is needed? | Follow the laboratory’s instructions; a small container is usually sufficient |
| How quickly should it be delivered? | As soon as the laboratory requires, because storage time and temperature can affect the result |
What is included in a urinalysis?
A urinalysis may include visual examination, chemical testing, and microscopic examination of urine sediment. The exact set of values can differ.
A urinalysis may include visual examination, chemical testing, and microscopic examination of urine sediment. The exact set of values can differ.
| Part | Common values | What it assesses |
|---|---|---|
| Physical properties | Color, clarity or turbidity, specific gravity | Appearance and concentration |
| Chemical testing | pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen, blood or hemoglobin, nitrite, leukocyte esterase | Substances and reactions detected by the test strip |
| Sediment microscopy | Red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, bacteria, crystals, casts, mucus, and other elements | Cells and particles seen under a microscope |
What is not automatically included?
A urine culture is a separate test. It detects the growth of microorganisms and, when appropriate, may assess antibiotic susceptibility. It should not be presented as part of a standard urinalysis.
How results may appear on the report
Urinalysis reference values
Urinalysis results may be numeric, qualitative, or descriptive. Reference values depend on the method, sample type, and laboratory. The table below provides general examples, but the values printed on the laboratory report take priority.
Urinalysis results may be numeric, qualitative, or descriptive. Reference values depend on the method, sample type, and laboratory. The table below provides general examples, but the values printed on the laboratory report take priority.
| Test | Typical result or range |
|---|---|
| Color | Nearly colorless to dark yellow |
| Specific gravity | Approximately 1.005–1.030 |
| pH | Approximately 4.6–8.0 |
| Glucose | Usually not detected |
| Ketones | Usually not detected |
| Protein | Usually not detected or present only in a very small amount according to the method |
| Bilirubin | Usually not detected |
| Blood or hemoglobin | Usually not detected |
| Nitrite | Negative |
| Red blood cells | Usually absent or within the laboratory reference range |
| White blood cells | Usually absent or within the laboratory reference range |
The following should not be presented as one universal range:
Important points:
How to interpret a urinalysis
Interpret the result in the context of sample collection, physical properties, reagent strip findings, and microscopy. A single abnormal result may be temporary or related to contamination. Combinations of findings, symptoms, and a repeat correctly collected sample are often more informative than one isolated flag.
Interpret the result in the context of sample collection, physical properties, reagent strip findings, and microscopy. A single abnormal result may be temporary or related to contamination. Combinations of findings, symptoms, and a repeat correctly collected sample are often more informative than one isolated flag.
Step-by-step approach
- Check whether the sample was collected correctly and delivered on time.
- Review color, clarity, specific gravity, and pH.
- Review protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrite, and leukocyte esterase.
- Compare the reagent strip with microscopy findings such as red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, bacteria, crystals, and casts.
- Consider menstruation, exercise, diet, medicines, and current symptoms.
- If the result is uncertain, a repeat clean-catch sample or a separate urine culture may be needed.
Common patterns
| Pattern | What may need clarification |
|---|---|
| White blood cells, leukocyte esterase, and nitrite | A possible infectious process, but symptoms, sample quality, and sometimes a urine culture are needed |
| Bacteria with many squamous epithelial cells | Possible sample contamination |
| Positive blood or red blood cells | Menstruation, exercise, stones, infection, urinary tract conditions, or other causes |
| Protein | A temporary change or possible kidney-related issue; persistent protein is assessed with quantitative tests |
| Glucose and ketones | Blood glucose, diet, fasting, and other circumstances |
| Bilirubin | Possible need to assess the liver and bile ducts |
| High or low specific gravity | Hydration, kidney concentrating ability, and collection conditions |
| Crystals | May occur without disease; significance depends on type, amount, pH, and symptoms |
A urinalysis alone should not be used to:
What additional tests may be ordered?
An unusual urinalysis result often requires confirmation with a correctly collected sample or a more specific test rather than an immediate diagnosis.
An unusual urinalysis result often requires confirmation with a correctly collected sample or a more specific test rather than an immediate diagnosis.
| Urinalysis finding | Additional tests | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| White blood cells, nitrite, bacteria, and urinary symptoms | Urine culture | To identify microorganisms and, when appropriate, antibiotic susceptibility |
| Many epithelial cells or a conflicting result | Repeat clean-catch urinalysis | To reduce the possibility of contamination |
| Protein in urine | Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, UACR, or another quantitative test | To assess albuminuria or proteinuria more accurately |
| Blood or red blood cells | Repeat urinalysis and further tests based on age, symptoms, and risk | To confirm the finding and investigate its source |
| Glucose or ketones | Blood glucose, HbA1c, and blood ketones when clinically indicated | To assess glucose metabolism |
| Possible kidney-related changes | Creatinine, eGFR, and UACR | To assess kidney filtration and damage markers |
| Bilirubin or urobilinogen | Liver-related tests and other investigations based on context | To assess liver, bile duct, or bilirubin metabolism |
| Crystals with symptoms of stones | Additional laboratory tests and imaging when ordered | To assess possible stone formation |
How much does a urinalysis cost?
The price depends on whether sediment microscopy is included and which values the laboratory reports. There is usually no blood collection fee, but there may be a separate cost for a container or for accepting the sample.
The price depends on whether sediment microscopy is included and which values the laboratory reports. There is usually no blood collection fee, but there may be a separate cost for a container or for accepting the sample.
| Feature | What to check |
|---|---|
| Chemical testing | Included |
| Sediment microscopy | Included or not included |
| Automated or manual microscopy | Check if the laboratory specifies it |
| Container | Included, purchased separately, or supplied by the patient |
| Sample handling | Any mandatory fee |
| Total price | All required charges |
| Turnaround time | The time stated by the laboratory |
Do not compare a standard urinalysis as if it were the same as:
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Frequently asked questions
What other analyses can be interpreted in Vitametria
Open another analysis type if you want to quickly orient yourself in the biomarkers and understand what exactly your report shows.
Authorship, sources, and limitations
This material explains the laboratory test, preparation, and result interpretation principles. For your own report, prioritize the exact test name, units, and reference ranges printed by your laboratory.
- MedlinePlus — Urinalysis
- MedlinePlus — Clean Catch Urine Sample
- MedlinePlus — Nitrites in Urine
- MedlinePlus — Epithelial Cells in Urine
- MedlinePlus — Protein in Urine
- MedlinePlus — Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio
This material and Vitametria automated explanation are informational only and are not a diagnosis, medical opinion, or treatment recommendation.
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