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Urinalysis (Urinalysis, Routine Urine Examination)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A simple test of your urine to check for signs of infection, kidney problems, or other health conditions.

Quick summary

["Urinalysis helps detect common issues like infections or kidney function changes early."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
68997-6
Short code
CITY
Synonyms
—
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Urinalysis Matters

Urinalysis is often the first step in diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, diabetes, or even pregnancy. It can reveal hidden problems like blood in urine, protein loss, or unusual crystals that may signal underlying health concerns.

What’s Tested in Urine

Your urine sample is checked for several key components, including color, clarity, pH balance, and the presence of glucose, ketones, blood, protein, white blood cells, red blood cells, and specific bacteria. These tests help identify whether your body is functioning normally or if something needs attention.

Common Uses and When to Get Tested

Doctors may order a urinalysis for routine check-ups, after symptoms like frequent urination, pain, or unusual urine color, or as part of a broader health evaluation. It’s also used in pregnancy screenings to check for infections or kidney issues.

How the Test Works

A small sample of urine is collected in a clean container and analyzed either in a lab or on-site using dipstick tests. The results are compared to standard references to identify any abnormalities.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Urinalysis plays a critical role in early detection of serious conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract infections. It can also help monitor chronic health conditions, such as managing blood sugar levels in diabetes or assessing kidney function over time.

Short name

Urinalysis

Frequently asked questions

What does a urinalysis test for?
Urinalysis tests for a variety of substances and conditions, including infections (like UTIs), kidney function, diabetes, blood in urine, protein loss, and signs of urinary tract obstructions or metabolic issues.
How long does it take to get urinalysis results?
Results from a routine urinalysis are typically available within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on whether it’s done in-house or sent to a lab. Follow-up with your healthcare provider is needed if any concerning findings are detected.
Can I drink water before a urinalysis?
Yes, you can drink plenty of water before your urinalysis to ensure your urine is diluted, which helps provide a more accurate sample. However, avoid excessive fluids or strong beverages that might alter the test results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy