Word parts
What it means
One of the most common tests. A dipstick checks pH, specific gravity, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, nitrites and leukocyte esterase; a microscope looks for cells, crystals and bacteria. It helps find urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes and dehydration.
For the nurse
Teach the clean-catch midstream method: clean the area front to back, start to pass urine, then catch the middle part in the cup. Send it within the time set by policy or refrigerate it, since standing urine changes. Take a sample from a catheter through the sampling port, never the drainage bag.
At a glance
| Normal range | Specific gravity 1.005–1.030; pH 4.5–8.0; negative for glucose, ketones, blood, nitrites and leukocyte esterase; protein negative or trace. Each lab sets its own reference ranges. |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | UA |
| Spanish | análisis de orina |
| Also written | urinalyses, urine analysis |
Related terms
urinary tract infection
An infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
renal
Relating to the kidneys.
kidney
One of two bean-shaped organs in the back of the belly that filter the blood and make urine.