Urinalysis

Assesses the color of the urine (e.g., pale yellow, yellow, dark yellow, amber). Abnormal colors (e.g., red, brown, green, orange) can indicate various conditions like dehydration, hematuria, liver disease, medications, or diet.

Describes the clarity of the urine (e.g., clear, slightly hazy, hazy, cloudy, turbid). Cloudiness can be caused by cells (WBC, RBC, epithelial), crystals, bacteria, mucus, lipids, or contaminants.

Measures urine density or concentration compared to pure water. It reflects the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine, indicating hydration status and renal concentrating ability. Low SG suggests dilute urine (e.g., overhydration, diabetes insipidus); high SG suggests concentrated urine (e.g., dehydration, glycosuria, proteinuria, SIADH).

Measures the acidity or alkalinity of urine. Influenced by diet, medications, and metabolic or kidney disorders (e.g., renal tubular acidosis). Useful in evaluating acid-base status and managing kidney stones.

Detects glucose in urine, a sign of diabetes or other metabolic disorders. Elevated levels can indicate diabetes, kidney disease, or certain medications.

Detects bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin. Elevated levels can indicate liver disease, hemolytic anemias, or certain medications.

Detects ketones (acetone, acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyrate) in urine, byproducts of fat metabolism. Ketonuria can occur in diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation, prolonged vomiting, low-carbohydrate diets, or febrile illnesses.

Detects intact red blood cells (hematuria) or free hemoglobin (hemoglobinuria)/myoglobin (myoglobinuria). Positive results can indicate kidney disease, urinary tract infection, stones, tumors, trauma, or muscle injury.

Detects protein in urine, a sign of kidney disease or other conditions. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease, liver disease, or certain medications.

Detects nitrite, formed when certain Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli) convert urinary nitrates. A positive test is a strong indicator of bacteriuria and potential urinary tract infection (UTI).

Detects leukocyte esterase, an enzyme from white blood cells (leukocytes). A positive test indicates pyuria (WBCs in urine), suggesting inflammation, commonly due to UTI.