Urinalysis

What Are the Conditions Found with Urinalysis?

With a urinalysis test that is performed by a laboratory technician, it is possible to learn more about a wide range of health problems in your body. At an urgent care center, you can request a urinalysis test to learn more about your health.

Here are some of the health conditions that are found with a urinalysis test:

• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Pregnancy
• Substance abuse
• Dehydration
• Kidney stones
• Glucose abnormalities
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Heart disease
• Kidney cancer
• Internal bleeding

What Are Some of the Signs of a Urinary Tract Disorder?

Urine primarily contains water, but it can also contain waste particles that change the color of the urine. You should have clear or pale urine that has no odor. However, certain foods such as garlic, asparagus, or onions can change the odor of your body’s urine. If you are perspiring heavily or failing to drink enough water, then you can become dehydrated, and this will change the color or odor of your urine.

What Are the Substances Found in Urine?

A laboratory technician can perform additional tests to find certain chemicals in the urine to help with the diagnosis of a medical issue.

Some of the chemicals that a laboratory technician looks for include:

• Waxy casts – indicating that you have renal disease
• Calcium oxalate – found when you have kidney stones
• White blood cell casts – indicates that you have some type of infection
• Red blood cell casts – found when you have some type of urinary tract disorder
• Pyuria – caused by an infection in the urinary tract
• Hematuria – indicates that you have kidney stones, infections, or a tumor

When you arrive at the urgent care center, you will provide your medical history before using the restroom to fill a plastic specimen cup with your urine. A laboratory technician can examine the urine with a microscope, or alternatively, there are urine test strips that will indicate an abnormality.

Frequently Asked Questions about Urinalysis

What conditions can urinalysis help diagnose? Urinalysis can help diagnose a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney diseases, diabetes, and liver problems. It can also detect signs of metabolic conditions and infections that may require further medical evaluation. How is urinalysis performed? A urinalysis is typically performed by collecting a urine sample in a sterile container. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes a series of tests, including visual examination, dipstick test, and microscopic analysis. These tests help detect abnormalities in the urine's appearance, chemical composition, and cellular content. How should I prepare for a unrinalysis? To prepare for a urinalysis, you should follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Generally, it's important to stay hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake right before the test. You may also be asked to avoid certain foods, medications, or supplements that can affect the test results. How long does it take to get unrinalysis results? The time it takes to get urinalysis results can vary, but many basic tests can be completed within a few hours to a day. More detailed analysis, such as cultures to identify bacteria, may take several days to a week. Can medications affect the results of a urinalysis? Yes, certain medications can affect the results of a urinalysis. Drugs such as diuretics, antibiotics, and some supplements can alter the chemical composition of your urine, potentially leading to false positives or negatives. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking before the test.

Urinalysis Testing Requested by Employers

Your employer may request a urinalysis test occasionally to determine if you are drinking alcohol or using drugs while you are working. If you are applying for a job, then you may need a urinalysis test before you are hired. A urinalysis test can determine if you are pregnant or reveal that you have certain types of sexually transmitted diseases. To learn more about urinalysis testing, contact WellCare Urgent Care today. You can schedule an appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard offices.