Why they always want a urine sample — and what they find in it.
A urinalysis is a standard screening test that tells us how your kidneys and urinary tract are functioning. We use it to check for signs of infection, metabolic diseases, or kidney issues before they become serious problems. It provides a quick look at your overall health status during an office visit or hospital stay.
We look for leukocytes, which are white blood cells that your body produces to fight off germs. Their presence often signals a urinary tract infection or inflammation in the bladder. If we see these cells, we know your immune system is actively working to clear a potential infection.
The test measures specific gravity, which tells us how concentrated your urine is relative to water. This helps us see if you are properly hydrated or if your kidneys are struggling to balance fluids. We also check the pH level to determine the acidity of your urine, which can indicate issues like kidney stones or metabolic imbalances.
We screen for glucose, or sugar, which should not typically be in your urine. High levels of glucose can be an early indicator of diabetes. We also test for protein levels, as leaking protein can be a sign that your kidneys are not filtering your blood as effectively as they should.
A positive test for hematuria, or blood in the urine, can come from several sources. It might point to an infection, a kidney stone, or other structural issues within the urinary system. If we find blood, we usually run follow-up tests to determine the specific cause and ensure there is nothing concerning that needs treatment.