Urinalysis: A Window to Your Health
Urinalysis, or urine examination, is one of the most basic yet diagnostically valuable laboratory tests. From a simple urine sample, healthcare professionals can detect various conditions ranging from urinary tract infections, diabetes, kidney disease, dehydration, to liver disorders.
This examination is very popular because it is non-invasive (does not require blood collection), easy to perform, and provides quick results. Nearly every medical check-up, pregnancy examination, and inpatient evaluation includes urinalysis as a standard test.
Three Components of Urinalysis
| Component | Method | What Is Examined |
|---|---|---|
| Macroscopic | Visual observation | Color, clarity, odor, urine volume |
| Chemical (Dipstick) | Reagent strip / Urine Analyzer | pH, protein, glucose, blood, leukocytes, nitrite, bilirubin, ketones, etc. |
| Microscopic | Centrifuge + Microscope | Epithelial cells, erythrocytes, leukocytes, crystals, casts, bacteria, parasites |
Chemical Parameters in Urinalysis
Modern urine analyzers can detect up to 14 parameters semi-quantitatively:
| Parameter | Normal Value | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.5 - 8.0 | Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders |
| Protein | Negative | Kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, preeclampsia |
| Glucose | Negative | Diabetes mellitus, tubular reabsorption disorders |
| Blood | Negative | Infection, kidney stones, trauma, urinary tract malignancy |
| Leukocytes | Negative | Urinary tract infection (UTI) |
| Nitrite | Negative | Bacterial infection (especially E. coli) |
| Bilirubin | Negative | Liver disease, biliary obstruction |
| Urobilinogen | Normal | Hemolysis, liver disease |
| Ketones | Negative | Diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation, strict dieting |
| Specific Gravity | 1.005 - 1.030 | Dehydration, diabetes insipidus, kidney disease |
| Microalbumin | Negative | Early detection of diabetic nephropathy |
| Creatinine | Normal | Kidney function, albumin/creatinine ratio |
| Ascorbic Acid (Vit C) | Negative | May interfere with other test results |
| Calcium | Normal | Parathyroid disorders, kidney stones |
Urinalysis Equipment from BM Diagnostics
BM-U500S Urine Analyzer
- Compatible with 8, 10, 11, and 14 parameter reagent strips
- Automatic reading — eliminates subjectivity of visual reading
- Throughput of up to 500 strips per hour
- Automatic calibration and integrated quality control
- Internal printer for direct result printing
- LIS connectivity for automatic data transfer
BM U-14Ca Reagent Strips
The most comprehensive urinalysis strip testing 14 parameters including special parameters: Microalbumin, Creatinine, and Calcium. These strips are very useful for:
- Early diabetic nephropathy screening — through urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR)
- Kidney stone risk evaluation — through urine calcium testing
- Comprehensive routine examination — all standard parameters plus additional parameters
Tips for Proper Urine Sample Collection
- Use a sterile container — The urine container must be clean and sterile
- Midstream clean-catch — Clean the genital area first, discard the initial urine, collect midstream
- Test promptly — Ideally within 1-2 hours after collection, or store in a refrigerator (2-8°C) for a maximum of 4 hours
- Sufficient volume — At least 10-15 mL for a complete examination
- Morning urine — Most ideal as it is the most concentrated
