Urinalysis

How the test is performed

A urine sample is needed. Your health care provider will tell you what type of urine sample is needed. Two common methods of collecting urine are 24-hour urine collection and clean catch urine specimen.

The sample is sent to a lab, where it is examined for the following:

Physical color and appearance:

What does the urine look like to the naked eye?

Is it clear or cloudy?

Is it pale or dark yellow or another color?

The urine specific gravity test reveals how concentrated or dilute the urine is.

Microscopic appearance:

The urine sample is examined under a microscope to look at cells, urine crystals, mucus, and other substances in the sample, and to identify any bacteria or other germs that might be present.

Chemical appearance (urine chemistry):

A special stick (dipstick) tests for various substances in the urine. The stick contains little pads of chemicals that change color when they come in contact with the substances of interest.

How to prepare for the test

Certain medicines change the color of urine, but this is not a sign of disease. Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking any medicines that can affect test results.

Medicines that can change your urine color include:

Chloroquine

Iron supplements

Levodopa

Nitrofurantoin

Phenazopyridine

Phenothiazines

Phenytoin

Riboflavin

Triamterene

Normal Values

Normal urine may vary in color from almost colorless to dark yellow. Some foods (like beets and blackberries) may turn the urine a red color.

Usually, glucose, ketones, protein, and bilirubin are not detectable in urine. The following are not normally found in urine:

Hemoglobin

Nitrites

Red blood cells

White blood cells

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

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