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Definition

Urinalysis is a diagnostic physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of a urine sample (specimen). Specimens can be obtained by normal emptying of the bladder (voiding) or by a hospital procedure called catheterization.

Purpose

Urinalyses are performed for several reasons:

• general evaluation of health
• diagnosis of metabolic or systemic diseases that affect kidney function
• diagnosis of endocrine disorders. Twenty-four-hour urine studies are often ordered for these tests
• diagnosis of diseases or disorders of the kidneys or urinary tract
• monitoring of patients with diabetes
• testing for pregnancy
• screening for drug abuse

Precautions

Voided specimens

Urinalysis should not be performed while a woman is menstruating or having a...