Urinalysis (Routine Test)

A urinalysis is a routine urine test that checks the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine.
It is simple, painless, and commonly prescribed to detect infections, kidney problems, diabetes, liver disorders, and metabolic diseases.

1. Physical Examination

Parameter Normal Abnormal Findings & Indications
Color Pale yellow to amber Red/Pink → Blood, stones, infections
Dark Brown → Liver disease, bile obstruction
Cloudy → Infection, pus, crystals, protein
Clarity Clear Cloudy → Infection, protein, crystals
Odor Mild Strong/Foul → Infection
Fruity/Sweet → Diabetes (ketones)
Specific Gravity 1.005–1.030 High → Dehydration, kidney issues
Low → Overhydration, kidney dysfunction

2. Chemical Examination (Dipstick Test)

Parameter Normal Abnormal Findings & Indications
pH 4.6–8.0 Acidic → Diabetes, dehydration
Alkaline → UTI, kidney stones
Protein None/Trace High → Kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes
Glucose None Present → Diabetes, high blood sugar
Ketones None Present → Diabetes, fasting, starvation, keto diet
Bilirubin / Urobilinogen None Presence → Liver disease, hepatitis, jaundice
Blood (Hematuria) None Stones, infection, kidney disease, trauma, cancer
Leukocyte Esterase & Nitrite Negative Positive → UTI (pus cells, bacteria)

3. Microscopic Examination

Parameter Findings Indications
Red Blood Cells (RBCs) 0–2 / HPF Stones, infections, tumors
White Blood Cells (WBCs) 0–5 / HPF Infections, inflammation
Casts None / Occasional Hyaline → Mild dehydration
RBC Casts → Kidney disease
WBC Casts → Kidney infection
Crystals None / Few Kidney stones, metabolic disorders
Bacteria / Parasites / Yeast None UTI, fungal infection

Why Doctors Prescribe Urinalysis

  • Suspected UTI (burning, frequent urination, fever)
  • Monitoring diabetes (sugar, ketones)
  • Checking kidney function
  • Detecting liver disease
  • Routine health check-up