A urinalysis checks urine in three ways, visually, with a chemical dipstick and under a microscope, to screen for urinary infection, kidney disease and diabetes.
Abnormal findings may point toward kidney disease, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, poorly controlled diabetes, or bladder or kidney cancer.
The Verdict
What a Urinalysis Checks
A urinalysis is a test of the urine. According to MedlinePlus, the test examines the urine in three ways: visually, with a dipstick, and under a microscope. Providers order this test to screen for early signs of disease, check for diabetes or kidney disease, and monitor those conditions.
The Three Parts of the Test
In the visual examination, the lab checks color (pale, dark yellow or another color) and clarity (clear or cloudy).
The dipstick examination uses a strip with chemical pads. These pads change color when exposed to substances in the urine. The dipstick tests for red blood cells, glucose, protein, pH, ketones, bilirubin, and specific gravity.
The microscopic examination looks at the urine under a microscope. The lab looks for cells, crystals, casts, mucus, bacteria, and other germs.
| Test Phase | Examination Method | Substances and Properties Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | The lab checks | Color (pale, dark yellow, or other hues) and clarity (clear or cloudy) |
| Dipstick | Chemical reagent pads that change color on contact | Red blood cells, glucose, protein, pH, ketones, bilirubin, and specific gravity |
| Microscopic | Examination under a microscope | Cells, crystals, casts, mucus, bacteria, and other germs |
Clinical Reasons for Ordering a Urinalysis
MedlinePlus lists several reasons a urinalysis is ordered. It can be part of a routine exam to screen for early signs of disease.
It is also ordered to check for diabetes or kidney disease and to monitor those conditions.
It is ordered to diagnose a suspected urinary tract infection or look for blood in the urine.
Sample Collection Methods and Preparation
The sample is usually either a clean catch specimen or a 24-hour urine collection. Your provider will specify which collection method is needed for your evaluation.
You can review how full-day testing works in our overview of 24-hour urine collection.
Your provider may tell you to stop certain medicines that can affect laboratory results.
Foods such as beets and blackberries can turn urine red. Medicines and supplements, including iron supplements, nitrofurantoin, and riboflavin, can change urine color without indicating disease.
Normal Characteristics and Baseline Results
Normal urine ranges from almost colorless to dark yellow.
Glucose, ketones, protein and bilirubin are usually not detectable. Hemoglobin, nitrites, red blood cells and white blood cells are not normally found.
Normal reference ranges can vary slightly between different testing laboratories. See normal vs optimal lab ranges.
| Urinalysis Marker | Normal Expected Finding |
|---|---|
| Visual Appearance | Almost colorless to dark yellow |
| Glucose and Ketones | Usually not detectable |
| Protein | Usually not detectable |
| Bilirubin | Usually not detectable |
| Red blood cells, white blood cells, nitrites, hemoglobin | Not normally found |
Conditions Associated With Abnormal Results
According to MedlinePlus, abnormal findings may point toward kidney disease, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, poorly controlled diabetes, or bladder or kidney cancer.
Your provider interprets your specific results.
Urine Protein and Kidney Function Evaluation
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) explains that providers use a urine test to check for albumin. Albumin is a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.
The chemical dipstick changes color if albumin is present in the sample.
If albumin is found, the NIDDK notes that your provider may want you to repeat the urine test one or two more times to confirm the results.
Early kidney disease usually has no symptoms; testing is the only way to know how well the kidneys are working. See eGFR testing. Blood panels are discussed in our guides to the albumin blood test and kidney function test.
What a Urinalysis Cannot Tell You
A urinalysis is a screen. Abnormal findings are followed up by your provider rather than acted on alone.
MedlinePlus does not break down what abnormal nitrites, casts, crystals, pH, specific gravity or white blood cells mean. Your provider interprets them.
Prices and turnaround are set by the lab and the ordering office, so ask them.
Related Tests
Related tests on this site include HbA1c, bilirubin and the comprehensive metabolic panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a urinalysis test for?
A urinalysis tests physical appearance, chemical markers, and microscopic matter in your urine. The test examines urine visually for color and clarity, chemically with a dipstick, and microscopically for cells, crystals, casts, mucus and bacteria. It screens for early signs of disease, checks for diabetes or kidney disease, monitors those conditions, identifies blood in the urine, and helps diagnose urinary tract infections. Dipstick testing evaluates red blood cells, glucose, protein, pH, ketones, bilirubin, and specific gravity. Microscopic examination checks for cells, crystals, casts, mucus, bacteria, and other germs. Your provider interprets the specific results.
What are the three parts of a urinalysis?
The three parts of a urinalysis are the visual examination, the dipstick chemical test, and the microscopic examination. The visual check inspects urine clarity (clear or cloudy) and color (pale yellow, dark yellow, or unusual hues). The dipstick test uses a chemical strip with reagent pads that change color upon contact with specific substances. This chemical strip checks for red blood cells, glucose, protein, pH, ketones, bilirubin, and specific gravity. The microscopic review examines urine under a microscope to look for cells, crystals, casts, mucus, bacteria, and other germs.
How do I collect a urine sample for a urinalysis?
You collect a urine sample either as a clean catch specimen or through a 24-hour urine collection. Your provider will tell you what type of urine sample is needed. Your provider may tell you to stop medicines that can affect results.
What is a normal urinalysis result?
A normal urinalysis typically shows urine ranging from almost colorless to dark yellow. On the chemical dipstick, glucose, ketones, protein, and bilirubin are usually not detectable in healthy urine. Hemoglobin, nitrites, red blood cells, and white blood cells are not normally found. Normal reference ranges vary slightly between different testing laboratories.
What can an abnormal urinalysis mean?
An abnormal urinalysis can indicate a range of medical conditions. According to MedlinePlus, abnormal findings may point toward kidney disease, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, poorly controlled diabetes, or bladder or kidney cancer.
Is a urinalysis the same as a kidney function test?
A urinalysis tests urine. A kidney function test is covered on its own page. A urinalysis checks urine for substances like albumin, which can pass into urine when kidneys are damaged. You can review how blood markers measure renal performance in our guide to kidney function tests.
Do I need to stop my medicines or supplements before a urinalysis?
Your provider may tell you to stop medicines that can affect results. Iron supplements, nitrofurantoin and riboflavin can change urine color without disease.
Does a urinalysis have any risks?
There are no risks with this test; it involves only normal urination.