Key points about urinalysis
- A urine test that checks for signs of infection, kidney problems, or other health issues
- Often used during routine checkups, pregnancy, or hospital stays
- Can detect early signs of diabetes, UTIs, or kidney disease
- Fast, painless, and noninvasive
- No recovery time or special preparation needed
Overview
Urinalysis is a lab test that examines your urine for signs of problems like infection, kidney issues, or high blood sugar. It can detect substances like protein, glucose, blood, or bacteria that may indicate something is wrong—even before symptoms appear.
Candidates for urinalysis
You may need this test if you:
- Have symptoms like pain while urinating, frequent urination, or back pain
- Are being screened for a UTI, kidney issue, or diabetes
- Are pregnant or preparing for surgery
- Are being monitored for chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes
Preparation for urinalysis
No special prep is needed. Just follow instructions on how to collect a clean urine sample, usually using a sterile container provided by the clinic or lab.
Risks for urinalysis
There are no risks with this test—it’s quick, easy, and completely noninvasive.
Recovery from urinalysis
There’s nothing to recover from. Once you provide your sample, you can continue your day as usual.