Urinalysis is one of the most common tests that doctors require patients to take because it can give an insight on a lot of diseases that a person can have, so doctors can use it to rule out or confirm the situation of the patient. It’s also relatively easy to administer and interpret, unlike other tests that can give similar results. All you need for a urinalysis, for whatever type, is a urine sample.
The reason why urine is so useful is because it’s evidence of your body efficiency, metabolic process and urinary system problems. What is compared to a standard is its odor, color, transparency and, in some cases, amount. Now, that you know the utility and what’s typically looked at during a urine test, this article will expound on how you can better grasp the results of your urinalysis.
Variations in color
Reddish urine may mean you have porphyrias (when porphyrins accumulate in your body), nephrolithiasis (with a calculi growth in your kidney, rectum or urinary system) or UTI (an infected urinary tract). This could also mean that there’s blood when you urinate; doctors will either know why after a urinalysis or ask for a further test.
If the color of your urine is blue, then you might have tryptophan malabsorption, which commonly called the Blue Diaper syndrome.
Brown urine could be an indicator of one of the following conditions: a variation of a hepatobiliary disorder (like one that affects the liver), Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia (better known as Gilbert syndrome) and Tyrosinemia (a genetic disorder that makes breaking down tyrosine difficult).
Bacteria are often the main reason why urine turns purple, so for those who have had catheters for a while, this could happen.
Really dark, close to black, urine may indicate that you have melanoma or Alkaptonuria.
Contrary to popular belief, white urine is not always healthy. It could also point towards the formation of phosphate crystal or the condition Chyluria.
Variations in clarity
What appears on your test as urine turbidity is, in simpler terms, how clear the liquid is. It determines what the urine contains like crystals, bacteria, vaginal discharge or proteinuria, by assessing the sample as turbid, cloudy or clear. For example, a cloudy urine sample could mean that patient has UTI.
Variations in PH level
Typically, your PH level is dependent on what you eat but the variations per person are seldom stark, unless one of them is suffering from a certain condition. Finding out what’s your condition is what urinalysis is for.
For example, if you’re urine is acidic, you may have cystine calculi in your system or your uric acid could be higher than normal. In this case, you can already watch your food intake or your doctor could suggest treatment.
Variations in amount
Despite the fact that this is not commonly tested, the difficulty in filling up a cup could also be indicated as a symptom of a disorder, like kidney issues. Often, the doctor will suggest that you hydrate and try again, and if you still can’t, then he will recommend for you undergo other tests.