Description

Urine tests can provide diagnostic information about a number of diseases such as kidney disease or infections, diabetes, and liver disease.  The urinalysis consists of 3 parts: measuring the urine concentration using a refractometer, using a test strip to quantify protein, blood, glucose, etc., and a microscopic examination to detect cells and crystals.

Urine test strip

• Blood can be identified on the strip in hemolyzed form, which is not seen under a microscope.
• Glucose in the urine can indicate diabetes.
• Ketones can indicate ketoacidosis, which is a serious problem.

 Microscopic examination

The numbers and types of cells and/or material such as casts can yield a great detail of information.

• Red blood cells are associated with kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, interstitial cystitis, and renal infarcts.
• White blood cells are associated with bladder and kidney infections.
• Casts can be associated with various illnesses, depending on the type.
• Crystals can be associated with bladder irritation.
• Bacteria can be associated with an infection of the bladder or kidneys.

Refractometer

The refractometer detects urine concentration.  Dilute urine can be see with kidney disease and other illnesses.