Urinalysis

Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It provides important details about the body’s metabolism and can be used to diagnose various health conditions.

Physical Analysis

Colour: Normal urine colour ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. The colour is influenced by hydration levels and certain substances such as medicines or food dyes.
Clarity: Urine is typically clear. Cloudiness could indicate the presence of proteins, cells, or crystals.
Odour: Normal urine has a mild odour. If it has a strong smell, it could be due to diet, hydration levels or certain infections.

Chemical Analysis

pH level: The pH level of urine can indicate if it’s acidic or alkaline. Normal values range from 4.6 to 8.0. Abnormal pH levels might suggest kidney stones or urinary tract infections.
Glucose: Normally, no glucose is found in urine. Its presence could suggest diabetes or other conditions.
Protein: Small amounts of proteins are normal, but high protein levels could suggest a kidney disease.

Microscopic Analysis

Red and white blood cells: The presence of these cells in the urine sample can indicate infection, kidney disease, or urinary tract disorders.
Crystal: Very small crystals are normal, but bigger or numerous crystals can indicate a risk of kidney stones.
Bacteria and Yeasts: The presence of these microorganisms can signal an infection.

Significance of Urinalysis

Diagnosis: Urinalysis can help to identify diseases such as diabetes, kidney diseases, and urinary tract infections.
Screening: It can screen for diseases in their early stages where there are no symptoms.
Monitoring: Urinalysis can monitor disease progression and efficacy of treatment.

Remember, a single urinalysis cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. In most cases, your healthcare provider will use this in conjunction with other tests and your medical history to diagnose your condition.