A urinalysis is an effective way of evaluating and detecting various compounds or disorders in urine. Through a certified board of physicians at Sugar Land urinalysis center, you can monitor and check your overall health through a urine test or a urine sample. Find more below about the urinalysis diagnostic test and its effectiveness in monitoring your overall health.
What is a urinalysis test?
A urinalysis is a medical diagnostic test examining microscopic or chemical aspects of the urine. It mainly involves checking signs for possible common health conditions or diseases such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, etc.
Also, a urinalysis can be used as a pregnancy check-up test due to the presence of HCG hormone levels in urine. A certified medical physician can use your urine sample to identify any underlying condition by checking the urine’s color and appearance, including chemical appearance, concentration, etc.
Why is a urinalysis test essential?
A urinalysis test is a common and the fastest test that measures and evaluates various components or compounds that pass through the urine and can also be used for the following reasons.
- To diagnose a medical condition: If you are exhibiting symptomatic signs of an unknown underlying condition such as back pain, painful urination, etc., your physician might recommend a urinalysis test to diagnose the causes of these symptoms.
- To monitor a medical condition: If you are currently suffering from a known medical condition or disease such as kidney disease or a UTI, your physician may conduct a regular urinalysis to monitor your condition.
- To assess overall health: A urinalysis is usually carried out as part of a routine medical check-up. If you are scheduled for surgery or admitted to a hospital, your doctor might conduct a urinalysis test to screen for various conditions such as diabetes, liver, or kidney disease.
What should you expect during a urinalysis test?
Depending on your immediate care and health needs, you may have a different experience during your urinalysis test. For instance, if you undergo an emergency care visit to the hospital, your physician may obtain a urine sample through a catheter to avoid contamination.
After collecting your urine sample, the physician sends it to the lab for a quick analysis while stabilizing your current symptoms.
How is a urinalysis test done?
After your urine sample is taken to the lab, the lab technician begins conducting a urinalysis in three ways: visual examination, a microscopic examination, and a dipstick test. A visual exam includes checking the overall appearance of the urine. If the urine looks cloudy or has an unpleasant smell, it could indicate an infection.
Also, foamy urine could indicate the presence of protein urine. On the other hand, a dipstick test involves placing plastic strips of chemicals in urine. If the strips immediately change color, it indicates the presence of a particular substance in the urine. A dipstick test usually checks for various aspects in the urine, including;
- The urine’s pH levels
- Sugar levels
- Protein levels
- Ketones
- Blood
- Bilirubin
A Microscopic examination is also part of a urinalysis test involving placing a few drops of concentrated urine in a microscope and evaluating the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, parasites, or tumor cells.
A urinalysis test is an excellent and affordable way of assessing your overall health and wellness. Also, if you are experiencing any symptoms of an unknown condition, talk to a physician from St. Michael Elite Hospital, a certified medical facility in Texas, where you will access proper medical care without the wait.