A urinalysis tests the urine for color, clarity (clear or cloudy),
odor, concentration, and acidity (pH). It also checks for abnormal levels of
protein, sugar, and blood cells or other substances that, if found in the
urine, may indicate an illness or disease somewhere in the body.
A person may have a urinalysis:
- As part of a routine physical
exam.
- To screen for a disease or infection of the urinary tract.
Symptoms that may cause a doctor to order a urine test include discolored or
foul-smelling urine, pain during urination, difficulty urinating, flank pain,
or fever.
- To monitor the treatment of certain conditions, such as
diabetes, kidney stones, urinary tract infection, or some types of kidney or
liver disease.
