What should you know about a urine examination test?

Depending on the request, examination may include colour and clarity, chemical screening, microscopy for cells or crystals, and testing for protein, blood, glucose or signs of infection. The sample should be collected in the container and manner explained by the clinic so contamination is less likely.

Cloudiness, blood, protein, white blood cells, bacteria or crystals can have several explanations. A result may reflect infection, irritation, a stone, kidney disease, dehydration, contamination or a temporary change. One report is interpreted with symptoms, examination findings and sometimes blood tests or imaging.

Burning and frequent urination may fit a urinary tract infection, while fever with flank pain can suggest a kidney infection. Difficulty starting or emptying the bladder may also prompt assessment for benign prostatic hyperplasia in some men.

Use a clean sample container, avoid touching its inside, and deliver the sample as instructed. Tell the clinician if you are menstruating, taking medicines or supplements, or have had recent strenuous exercise, because these details can affect interpretation.

Ask whether you need a culture, repeat sample, kidney blood tests or imaging. Treatment depends on the cause; antibiotics are not useful for every abnormal urine result and should be used only when clinically indicated.

Seek prompt care for fever with side or back pain, vomiting, visible blood, inability to pass urine, new swelling, confusion or a sharp reduction in urine output. These signs deserve assessment even if an earlier urine examination was reassuring.

Which part of the examination was abnormal? Could the sample have been contaminated? Do I need a culture, repeat test or blood test? What symptoms should lead me to seek urgent care?