Urine Routine Test

Urine Routine test, also known as urinalysis, urine microscopy, or urine dipstick test, is a simple laboratory test that checks a urine sample by studying its appearance and the different substances present in urine to find signs of disease.

Urine is a liquid waste produced by the kidneys when they filter blood. It normally contains water and waste products that the body removes. In certain health conditions, substances that are not normally present can appear in urine.

During this test, urine is checked for its physical appearance (e.g., colour, clarity, smell, acidity [pH]), chemical components (e.g., blood, protein, glucose, ketones, and bilirubin), and microscopically (e.g., cells, crystals, casts, and bacteria). This test helps doctors detect early signs of several health conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney diseases, and diabetes.

The test mainly focuses on the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This system is responsible for removing waste and extra water from the body, and urinalysis helps check whether it is functioning properly.

Thus, urinalysis provides an early indication of disease and helps doctors detect health problems before they become more serious.

You may need a Urine Routine test if you have:

• Burning or pain while passing urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Fever with weakness or tiredness, along with urinary symptoms
• Cloudy, reddish, or foul-smelling urine
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back (below the ribs)
• Swelling in the face, hands, or feet (may suggest kidney involvement)
• Reduced or increased urination

A Urine Routine test is recommended for individuals:

• With suspected urinary tract infection (UTI)
• With signs or a known history of kidney disease
• With diabetes (for monitoring)
• With high blood pressure (as it can affect kidney function)
• Undergoing a routine health check-up for early detection
• With a history of recurrent urinary infections
• At high risk, such as those using a urinary catheter or having a spinal cord injury

The urine routine and microscopy test may be recommended in the following situations:

A Urine Routine test can help identify the following conditions:

• Urinary tract infections (UTI): An infection in the urinary system (bladder, urethra, or kidneys).
• Kidney disorders or kidney damage: Conditions that affect how well the kidneys filter blood. E.g., protein in urine may indicate damage to the kidney’s filtering units.
• Diabetes mellitus: A condition where blood sugar levels are too high.
• Stones: Hard, stone-like deposits in the kidneys or urinary tract.
• General urinary health problems: Changes in urine that suggest infection or kidney problems, for example, cloudy, red, tea-coloured, or foamy urine.
• Liver disease: Liver conditions such as bile duct obstruction and hepatitis may be associated with increased bilirubin in urine.
• Blood in urine: This may be associated with conditions like infection, kidney problems, medicines, or heavy exercise, and may need further tests for diagnosis.

You can get this test done easily from the convenience of your home by booking the test online and choosing home sample collection,

What to Expect Before the Urine Routine Test

Collect first morning urine - overnight urine has the highest bacterial concentration. Do NOT start antibiotics before collecting the sample. Clean the genital area before collection using a sterile wipe or clean water to reduce contamination. If the sample cannot reach the lab within 2 hours, refrigerate it at 2 to 8°C - bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature and can give a falsely high colony count.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

Open the sterile container without touching the inside or lid. Clean the genital area with two or three gauze pads saturated with soapy water, using a forward-to-back motion, then rinse with sterile saline and water. Begin urinating into the toilet. After the first few drops, collect the middle stream directly into the container without stopping. This midstream clean-catch technique flushes out urethral bacteria before collection begins. Close and label the container with your name, date, and time. Hand it to the PharmEasy phlebotomist or deliver it to the lab within 2 hours.

What to Expect After the Urine Routine Test

No recovery time is needed - urine collection is completely painless and non-invasive. Continue drinking fluids normally. Do not start antibiotics until your doctor has reviewed the culture and sensitivity report. Results are available within 24 to 72 hours.

The Urine Routine test includes a total of 24 parameters, divided into 3 categories:

Physical examination: 

• Volume
• Colour
• Appearance
• Specific Gravity
• pH

Chemical Examination: 

• Urinary Protein
• Urinary Glucose
• Urine Ketone
• Urinary Bilirubin
• Urobilinogen
• Bile Salt
• Bile Pigment
• Urine Blood
• Nitrite
• Leukocyte Esterase

Microscopic Examination: 

• Mucus
• Red Blood Cells
• Urinary Leukocytes (Pus Cells)
• Epithelial Cells
• Casts
• Crystals
• Bacteria
• Yeast
• Parasite

The following table shows the typical normal reference ranges for the parameters in the Urine Routine test.

The Urine Routine test report interpretation of some of the important parameters and what they may possibly indicate are given in the table below:

The Urine Routine test procedure is generally safe. However, possible risks and limitations include:

Risks (Rare):

• Urine Routine test is a simple test that does not cause any pain or harm in most cases. Some people may feel a little uncomfortable while giving the urine sample, but it is a normal and routine procedure.

Limitations:

• Urine test results can sometimes be affected by medicines or certain foods, which may change the colour or appearance of urine.
• The test results alone cannot identify a health condition. They only help the doctor decide if further tests are needed.

If abnormalities are detected in a Urine Routine test report, the doctor may suggest more tests to find the exact cause of the problem.

• Urine culture: A test to check if bacteria are growing in the urine and to identify the type of infection.
• Blood tests: Tests to check how well the kidneys and other organs are working.
• Ultrasound (Kidney and bladder scan): A scan to check the kidneys and bladder for stones, swelling, or other problems.
• CT scan: A detailed scan to look for kidney or urinary tract problems.
• Cystoscopy: A test where a small camera is used to look inside the bladder.
• Urine cytology: A test to check urine cells for signs of disease or abnormal growth.

Pro Tip: For the most stress-free experience, book a Urine Routine test on PharmEasy. Enjoy professional service and accurate results without stepping out of your house.