Skip to content

Urinalysis, Qualitative

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

A urine test that checks for the presence or absence of selected substances without reporting exact concentrations.

Quick summary

["This test can identify selected substances in urine, but abnormal findings should be interpreted with your symptoms and other lab results."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61058-4
Short code
PPAA Ur Ql
Synonyms
PPAA Ur Ql
Category
liver
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

Qualitative urinalysis examines urine for selected substances or properties. A positive or negative result generally indicates whether a substance was detected rather than providing a precise concentration.

Why might I need this test?

This test may be used to evaluate symptoms such as urinary pain, frequent urination, or changes in urine color. It may also be used for routine screening or to monitor certain conditions.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and tested using methods such as reagent strips, microscopy, or other laboratory analysis. The laboratory reports whether the tested substance is present, absent, or possibly abnormal.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician or laboratory's collection instructions. Clean-catch midstream urine is often requested, and the sample should be provided as soon as possible after collection.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An abnormal result may reflect a urinary tract condition, kidney problem, metabolic condition, medication use, or contamination of the specimen. The meaning depends on which substance was tested and your symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory results. A positive finding does not always mean you have a disease, and repeat testing may be needed.

Short name

Qualitative urinalysis

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive result mean I have a serious illness?
Not necessarily. A positive result can have several causes, so your clinician should interpret it along with your symptoms and other test results.
Why was I asked to repeat the urine test?
Repeating the test may confirm an unexpected finding or help determine whether a temporary factor, such as contamination, affected the sample.
How is this test different from a quantitative urine test?
A qualitative test mainly reports whether a substance was detected, while a quantitative test measures its concentration or amount in the urine.
  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