Urinalysis

Urine tests can provide diagnostic information about a number of diseases such as kidney disease or infections, diabetes, and liver disease.  The urinalysis consists of 3 parts: measuring the urine concentration using a refractometer, using a test strip to quantify protein, blood, glucose, etc., and a microscopic examination to detect cells and crystals.

Urine test strip

• Blood can be identified on the strip in hemolyzed form, which is not seen under a microscope.

• Glucose in the urine can indicate diabetes.

• Ketones can indicate ketoacidosis, which is a serious problem.

 Microscopic examination

The numbers and types of cells and/or material such as casts can yield a great detail of information.

• Red blood cells are associated with kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, interstitial cystitis, and renal infarcts.

• White blood cells are associated with bladder and kidney infections.

• Casts can be associated with various illnesses, depending on the type.

• Crystals can be associated with bladder irritation.

• Bacteria can be associated with an infection of the bladder or kidneys.

Refractometer

The refractometer detects urine concentration.  Dilute urine can be see with kidney disease and other illnesses.

Click on the Adobe icon below to see an example of a urinalysis.