🧪 Urinalysis Results Explained

Simple explanation of urinalysis results. Learn what urine tests check for, what common findings mean, and how urinalysis helps evaluate kidney health in clear, easy-to-understand language.

A urinalysis is one of the most common tests used to check kidney and urinary health.

Unlike blood tests, this test looks directly at your urine to see what is happening inside your body.

If you’ve had a urine test and don’t understand the results, this page will help.

🔍 What Is a Urinalysis? 

A urinalysis is a simple test that examines a urine sample for things like:

• color
  
  

• clarity
  
  

• chemicals
  
  

• cells
  
  

• bacteria
  
  

• protein
  
  

• blood
  
  

It gives doctors important clues about how well your kidneys and urinary system are working.

🧮 Why Is a Urinalysis Done? 

Doctors order a urinalysis to:

• check kidney function
  
  

• look for infection
  
  

• find blood or protein in urine
  
  

• evaluate symptoms like pain or burning
  
  

• monitor ongoing kidney problems
  
  

It is often done along with blood tests like creatinine and GFR.

🧪 What a Urinalysis Looks For 

A typical urinalysis checks several different things.

Here are the most common parts and what they mean:

🌈 Color and Appearance 

Normal urine is usually:

• light yellow
  
  

• clear
  
  

• without strong odor
  
  

Dark, cloudy, or very strong-smelling urine can suggest:

• dehydration
  
  

• infection
  
  

• blood in urine
  
  

• other medical issues

🧫 Protein in Urine 

Protein normally stays in the blood.

If protein shows up in urine, it can mean:

• kidney irritation
  
  

• early kidney disease
  
  

• infection
  
  

• high blood pressure
  
  

• diabetes
  
  

Protein in urine is one of the most important kidney warning signs.

🩸 Blood in Urine 

Blood in urine (even tiny amounts) can be caused by:

• urinary tract infections
  
  

• kidney stones
  
  

• kidney inflammation
  
  

• bladder problems
  
  

Sometimes blood is visible.
Other times it is only seen under a microscope.

🦠 White Blood Cells or Bacteria 

These usually suggest:

• a urinary tract infection
  
  

• inflammation in the urinary system
  
  

Doctors often combine this result with your symptoms to decide on treatment.

Glucose in Urine 

Glucose (sugar) in urine can be a sign of:

• high blood sugar
  
  

• diabetes
  
  

Normally, glucose should not be present in urine.

🧪 Ketones in Urine 

Ketones may appear with:

• fasting
  
  

• dehydration
  
  

• uncontrolled diabetes

⚖️ Specific Gravity 

This measures how concentrated your urine is.

It helps show:

• whether you are well hydrated
  
  

• how well the kidneys are concentrating urine

🔬 Microscopic Exam 

Sometimes the sample is looked at under a microscope to check for:

• red blood cells
  
  

• white blood cells
  
  

• crystals
  
  

• bacteria
  
  

• casts (tiny tube-shaped particles from the kidneys)
  
  

These details can help pinpoint kidney or urinary problems.

❗ What Abnormal Results Mean 

An abnormal urinalysis does not automatically mean something serious.

Many things can temporarily affect urine results, such as:

• dehydration
  
  

• exercise
  
  

• minor infections
  
  

• certain foods
  
  

• medications
  
  

Doctors usually look at the full picture before deciding anything.

🧭 What Usually Happens Next? 

If something is abnormal, your doctor may:

• repeat the urine test
  
  

• order a urine culture
  
  

• check blood tests
  
  

• review your symptoms
  
  

• recommend more testing
  
  

Often, one test is not enough to make a diagnosis.

❓ Common Questions 

Do I need to fast for a urinalysis?
Usually no.

Can dehydration affect results?
Yes. It is one of the most common reasons for abnormal findings.

Can exercise change a urine test?
Heavy exercise can sometimes cause temporary protein or blood in urine.

How long do results take?
Basic urinalysis results are often available the same day.

🚩 When to Worry 

Contact a healthcare provider if abnormal urine results come with:

• fever
  
  

• severe pain
  
  

• burning with urination
  
  

• visible blood in urine
  
  

• very little urine output
  
  

• swelling or shortness of breath

📌 Where to Go Next 

To better understand related kidney tests, visit:

• Protein in Urine Explained
  
  

• Creatinine Blood Test Explained
  
  

• What Is GFR / eGFR?
  
  

• BUN Test Explained