Understanding the urine test

Urine helps the body remove excess water, salt, and toxic substances that enter or were created by the body. It eliminates more than 180 different chemical substances resulting from metabolism. In the case of pathologies, the chemical composition of urine changes and can include substances that are absent in healthy individuals, such as nitrogen-containing substances (protein, amino acids, nitrogenous waste), enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and inorganic compounds (electrolytes and salts). This is why the routine urine test is a very informative medical examination.

Patients can initiate a urine test on their own if they spot any unusual color, odor, or texture of their urine. Those who have started urinating less frequently or experience uncomfortable sensations during urination should consult a physician for testing to identify the cause.

During the laboratory test of the urine, the experts check the color of urine and acidity level as well as the content of proteins, leukocytes, erythrocytes, bilirubin, glucose, and epithelium.

The color of urine can change if the patient takes certain medications or foodstuffs. It can also change in the case of body intoxication or the presence of a range of diseases. The presence of impurities of pus, a large amount of bacteria or mucus in urine makes urine look cloudy.

Urine pH is a typically weak acid that can change depending on a diet (vegetables change pH to alkaline; meats change it to acid). The acidity of urine influences the content of stones formed in the presence of kidney stone disease.

Increased protein in urine can be a sign of inflammation of the ureter, kidney problems, leukemia, heart failure, and allergies. The amount of protein can slightly increase after a workout, profuse sweating, or cold shower — all of which should be taken into account before the test. The results of the urine test for women during pregnancy as well as during or after the period can also be different from reference values — so there is no reason to panic. In case of deviations, your physician will advise on the additional tests to be taken.

Increased white cell count in urine (leukocyturia) is a sign of bacterial inflammation of the urinary tract.

High red cell count in urine can be a sign of nephrotic syndrome, kidney infarction, acute glomerulonephritis, kidney oncology, cystitis, or prostatitis.

Bilirubin in urine is a symptom of cirrhosis of the liver, cholelithiasis, or hepatitis.

Increased glucose in urine occurs in diabetes mellitus or renal disease, acute pancreatitis, Cushing's syndrome, thyrotoxicosis, and nephrotic syndrome as well as during pregnancy.

Increased epithelial cells in urine is a sign of inflammation in the urinary tract. The presence of ketone bodies in urine is a sign of alcohol intoxication, diabetes, pancreatitis, or carbohydrate deficiency.

The higher or lower urine density is related to various processes (improper diet, diuresis, kidney diseases, or diabetes insipidus).

How to prepare for a urine test

Improper collection of urine often leads to skewed results of the urine test. This can happen due to a lack of hygiene or consuming alcohol before the test. Still, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, test results help to identify an obscure chronic disorder that doesn't have pronounced symptoms.

To obtain reliable results of the urine test, the following rules should be observed:

• Collect morning urine (skipping the first portion, collecting approximately 1.6 oz without interrupting urination) and deliver it to the laboratory within 2 hours.
• Avoid exercise before collecting a sample of urine.
• Avoid sexual intercourse.
• Don't collect urine sample during your period.
• Avoid foods that can change your urine color (such as carrots and beets), diuretics, alcohol, and saunas for the 2 days before the test.
• The urine sample can be stored in a cold place (without freezing) for no longer than 6 hours.

The clinical urine test can help to identify the condition of the urinary tract, liver, and other bodily organs. Most often, a change in one of the urine characteristics is not a sign of the disorder but still an essential component of diagnostics. In the presence of one or several changed parameters, a medical professional will compare them with the disease pattern and the results of other laboratory or instrumental research.

23 March 2021