A urinalysis (urine analysis) is used to test for several different factors that can indicate a variety of different disorders. Generally speaking, a urinalysis will be used as an initial test to point the medical professional in the right direction. This allows for further, more in-depth testing to be carried out in more specific areas.
The following are some of the substances or cells that can be detected in the urine and what they might mean:
- Protein
Persistent protein in the urine (finding protein in urine twice over several weeks) is one of the earliest detectable signs of chronic kidney disease.
- Glucose
A large quantity of glucose found within a patient’s urine sample could indicate diabetes.
- Bacteria or white blood cells
Finding certain amounts of bacteria or white blood cells could help diagnose an infection of the urinary tract.
A urine sample can also be a useful test for those who have already been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. This is because regular testing can be used as a way to monitor the ongoing functionality of the kidneys and the effectiveness of any treatment.