A urinalysis is a common diagnostic test examining urine for various health indicators. This laboratory procedure assesses physical characteristics like color and clarity, chemical properties such as pH and protein levels, and microscopic components including cells and crystals. A simple dipstick test in a physician’s office provides immediate, preliminary results, while more comprehensive microscopic examinations occur in a laboratory setting.
This valuable tool assists healthcare professionals in diagnosing urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. Providing quick and relatively inexpensive insights into a patient’s metabolic and physiological state, urinalysis has played a vital role in medical diagnostics for centuries, evolving from basic visual observations to sophisticated laboratory analyses. Its enduring utility stems from its ability to detect early signs of disease, monitor ongoing treatments, and contribute to preventative care.
