What are the urine examination items

The main urine examination items include urine routine, urine sediment microscopy, urine culture, urine protein quantification, urine microalbumin, etc. Urinalysis is a commonly used basic examination in clinical practice, which can help evaluate the urinary system and overall health status.

1. Urine routine:

Urine routine is the basic item of urine examination, usually including indicators such as urine pH, urine specific gravity, urine sugar, urine ketone bodies, urine bilinogen, urine bilirubin, urine nitrite, urine leukocyte esterase, and urine occult blood. By analyzing these indicators, we can preliminarily determine whether there is urinary tract infection, diabetes, hepatobiliary disease or kidney damage. For example, a positive urine glucose test may indicate poor blood sugar control, while a positive urine occult blood test may be associated with urinary system stones or infections. It is recommended to interpret the results under the guidance of a doctor and make a comprehensive judgment based on clinical symptoms.

2. Urine sediment microscopy:

Urine sediment microscopy is the observation of visible components in urine through a microscope, including red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts, and crystals. This examination can more accurately evaluate urinary system diseases such as nephritis, urinary tract infections, or stones. An increase in red blood cells may be associated with glomerulonephritis or urinary system tumors, while an increase in white blood cells usually indicates infection. The appearance of casts may be related to renal tubular injury. Avoid vigorous exercise before the examination to avoid affecting the accuracy of the results.

3. Urine culture:

Urine culture is mainly used for diagnosing urinary system infections. By detecting the types and quantities of pathogenic bacteria in urine, the presence of bacterial infections can be determined. When the urine routine shows positive white blood cell esterase or nitrite, doctors often recommend urine culture. Common pathogenic bacteria include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc. Urine culture can also be used for drug sensitivity testing to help select effective antibiotics. When collecting specimens, the perineum should be cleaned and midstream urine should be collected to avoid contamination. The result usually takes 2-3 days, during which empirical antibiotics can be temporarily used according to medical advice.

4. Urine protein quantification:

Urine protein quantification is used to evaluate renal filtration function, usually measured through 24-hour urine collection. The normal 24-hour urinary protein quantification for adults should be less than 150 milligrams. If the results exceed this range, it may be related to glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome or diabetes nephropathy. Regular monitoring of urinary protein levels in hypertensive patients can help detect kidney damage early. When collecting urine, it is necessary to accurately record the total amount to avoid omission or mixing with other liquids. High protein intake in the diet may affect the results, and it is recommended to maintain a regular diet before the examination.

5. Urinary microalbumin:

Urinary microalbumin is a sensitive indicator of early renal injury, especially suitable for renal monitoring in patients with diabetes and hypertension. When the urine routine protein is negative but the urine microalbumin is elevated, it indicates that the glomerular filtration membrane has undergone slight damage. The normal value is usually less than 20 mg/l. If it continues to rise, it is necessary to be alert to diabetes nephropathy or hypertensive kidney damage. It is recommended that patients with diabetes be checked at least once a year. Avoid vigorous exercise and infection before examination to avoid false positives. Early detection can delay the progression of kidney disease by controlling blood sugar and blood pressure. Each urine test item has its own focus, and it is recommended to choose the appropriate examination under the guidance of a doctor. Pay attention to drinking plenty of water in daily life, avoid holding urine, and maintain cleanliness when collecting specimens. If you experience frequent urination, urgency, pain, or abnormal urine color, seek medical attention promptly. Regular physical examinations can help detect potential problems early and maintain the health of the urinary system.