Urinalysis, Screen

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Urinalysis Screen

Appearance

Color

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Ketones

Ketones are substances produced in the liver when fat cells break down in the blood. A serum ketone test is a measurement of how many ketones are in the blood.

Occult Blood

The test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a specimen sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself.

Ph

Level of acid

Protein

Body fluids contain many different proteins that serve diverse functions such as transport of nutrients, removal of toxins, control of metabolic processes, and defense against invaders. Protein electrophoresis is a method for separating these proteins based on their size and electrical charge. When body fluids are separated by electrophoresis, they form a characteristic pattern of bands of different widths and intensities, reflecting the mixture of proteins present. This pattern is divided into five fractions, called albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma. In some cases, the beta fraction is further divided into beta 1 and beta 2. Albumin, which is produced in the liver, accounts for about 60% of the protein in the blood. "Globulins" is a collective term used to refer to proteins other than albumin. With the exception of the immunoglobulins and some complement proteins, most of the globulins are also produced in the liver. Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) is a method used to identify abnormal bands seen on serum, urine, or CSF protein electrophoresis, as to which type of antibody (immunoglobulin) is present.

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Specific Gravity

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The Urinalysis, Screen test contains 1 test with 9 biomarkers.

Brief Description: A Urinalysis Screen test is a common diagnostic tool used in healthcare to assess and monitor various disorders by analyzing a patient's urine. This test encompasses a range of examinations including physical, chemical, and microscopic aspects of urine. It's a non-invasive, quick, and often revealing test that can provide significant insights into a person's health.

Collection Method: Urine Collection

Specimen Type: Urine

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why a Urinalysis Screen Test May Be Ordered

Urinalysis is frequently ordered:

  1. As Part of a Routine Checkup: To assess general health or as part of a prenatal visit or hospital admission.
  2. To Diagnose a Medical Condition: If a patient presents with symptoms like abdominal pain, back pain, frequent or painful urination, or blood in the urine.
  3. To Monitor a Medical Condition: In patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  4. For Screening Purposes: In occupational settings or for sports testing.

What the Urinalysis Screen Test Checks For

The test typically involves several components:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing the color and clarity of the urine.
  • Chemical Examination: Using a dipstick test to detect substances such as proteins, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, blood, and indicators of infection (like nitrites and leukocyte esterase).
  • Microscopic Examination: Looking for cells, bacterial presence, crystals, or casts (tiny tube-shaped particles made of white blood cells, red blood cells, or kidney cell fragments) under a microscope.

Additional Lab Tests Ordered Alongside the Urinalysis Screen Test

When a Urinalysis Screen is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of urinary symptoms, kidney function, or general health. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

    • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health, including red and white blood cells, and platelets.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To detect signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia, which can be related to urinary tract or kidney diseases.

  2. Kidney Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess kidney function.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood. Abnormal results can indicate kidney disease or dysfunction.

  3. Electrolyte Panel:

    • Purpose: To measure the levels of key electrolytes in the blood.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To assess electrolyte balance, which can be affected by kidney function and urinary tract disorders.

  4. Liver Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess liver health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To rule out liver conditions that can affect urine characteristics.

  5. Urine Culture:

    • Purpose: To identify any bacteria present in the urine and determine their sensitivity to antibiotics.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) and guide appropriate antibiotic treatment.

  6. 24-Hour Urine Collection for Protein:

    • Purpose: To measure the amount of protein excreted in urine over a 24-hour period.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To assess for proteinuria, which can be a sign of kidney disease.

  7. Glucose:

    • Purpose: To measure the level of glucose in the blood.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To screen for or monitor diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can lead to glucose in the urine.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Urinalysis Screen, provide a comprehensive evaluation of urinary and kidney health. They are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, liver diseases, and other conditions that can affect the urinary system. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and the clinical context of the testing.

Conditions or Diseases Requiring a Urinalysis Screen Test

A wide range of conditions can be detected or monitored through urinalysis, including:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Indicated by the presence of nitrites, leukocyte esterase, or bacteria.
  • Kidney Disease: Suggested by proteins, abnormal cells, or casts in the urine.
  • Diabetes: Indicated by the presence of glucose or ketones in the urine.
  • Liver Diseases: Suggested by the presence of bilirubin in the urine.

Usage of Urinalysis Screen Test Results by Health Care Providers

Healthcare providers use urinalysis results to:

  1. Diagnose Diseases: Such as UTIs, kidney disease, and diabetes.
  2. Monitor Patient Health: Especially in chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
  3. Guide Treatment: In UTIs, results can help choose the right antibiotic.
  4. Evaluate Treatment Efficacy: To see how well a treatment is working and adjust as needed.
  5. Detect Early Signs of Disease: Sometimes before the patient is symptomatic.

Most Common Questions About the Urinalysis, Screen test:

Understanding the Basics

What is the Urinalysis Screen test?

The Urinalysis Screen test is a common laboratory examination of urine. It is a collection of several tests that assess different chemical and microscopic components of urine. This screening is used to detect and manage a wide range of disorders, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.

What does the Urinalysis Screen test measure?

The Urinalysis Screen test typically measures various substances in the urine, including glucose, protein, ketones, blood, bilirubin, urobilinogen, nitrites, and leukocyte esterase. It also includes a microscopic examination for cells, urinary casts, crystals, and bacteria.

Medical Implications and Applications

Why is the Urinalysis Screen test ordered?

The Urinalysis Screen test is often ordered as part of a routine health check-up, to screen for early signs of disease, to monitor existing conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, or to diagnose a urinary tract infection. It is a simple, quick, and inexpensive way to check for a variety of health issues.

Can the Urinalysis Screen test diagnose diseases?

While the Urinalysis Screen test can provide critical information about overall health and clues to many disorders, it usually doesn't diagnose a disease by itself. Abnormal results require further investigation, possibly including additional urine tests, blood tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures.

General Knowledge and Considerations

How should one prepare for the Urinalysis Screen test?

Generally, no special preparation is needed for a routine Urinalysis Screen test. However, it's essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking, as some substances can affect the results. In some cases, you may be advised to avoid certain foods or medications before the test.

How is the Urinalysis Screen test performed?

The Urinalysis Screen test is performed on a urine sample. The individual will be asked to provide a clean-catch midstream urine sample in a sterile container. This method helps prevent bacteria from the skin of the genital area from contaminating the sample.

Test Interpretation

What do the results of a Urinalysis Screen test mean?

The results of a Urinalysis Screen test can indicate various conditions. For example, protein in the urine can suggest kidney disease, while glucose might indicate diabetes. White blood cells or nitrites in the urine can signal a urinary tract infection. Each component of the urinalysis provides different clues to your health.

What should one do if the Urinalysis Screen test results are abnormal?

If your Urinalysis Screen test results are abnormal, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further tests or a referral to a specialist, depending on the suspected condition. It's crucial to follow up on abnormal results to properly diagnose and treat any underlying health issues.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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