A urine test (urinalysis) checks for various substances in your urine to assess your overall health, detect diseases, or monitor medical conditions. It is one of the most common diagnostic tests and can reveal early signs of many disorders.
What a Urine Test Detects
Urine tests can help identify or monitor:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Presence of bacteria, white blood cells, or nitrites indicates infection.
Kidney problems: High levels of protein (proteinuria), red blood cells, or casts can signal kidney disease or damage.
Diabetes: Sugar (glucose) or ketones in urine indicates poor blood sugar control or diabetes.
Liver disease: Bilirubin or urobilinogen presence may indicate liver or bile duct issues.
Blood in urine (hematuria): May suggest kidney stones, infection, or cancer of the urinary tract.
Pregnancy: Detects the hormone hCG.
Drug screening: Identifies presence of recreational or prescription substances.
General health: Used during physical exams, pregnancy checkups, or pre-surgery assessments.
Types of Urine Tests
Urinalysis: Examines color, clarity, pH, and chemical contents (protein, glucose, blood, ketones).
Urine culture: Detects bacteria or fungi causing infections.
24-hour urine test: Measures kidney function by assessing total output over a day.
Pregnancy or drug test: Looks for specific hormones or substances in the sample.
Overall, a urine test helps detect early signs of diseases affecting the kidneys, liver, metabolism, and urinary tract, making it a key part of both routine and diagnostic care.
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