Complete Urine Examination

A complete urine examination can detect abnormal constituents of urine which help in indicating several disorders in the body. A urine complete test is taken to investigate residual blood cells, bilirubin, bacteria, pus cells. Abnormalities in the presence of all these in the complete urine examination may indicate a kidney dysfunction or infection.

Apollo 24/7’s urine examination test also known as urine routine is a recommended test to keep a check on a wide range of disorders. The urine complete test checks for a wide range of disorders which can be detected early so that they are treated on time. 

From simple things like urinary tract infection, kidney function and blood pressure, to cancers and sexually transmitted diseases, urine test can indicate all of these and much more. One should definitely take a urine test if one is having difficulty in urinating, or the colors of the urine is abnormal. One should also opt for a urine test if there is blood in the urine of there is any sort of abdominal 

Urine tests are vital for detecting multiple issues in the kidney and liver specially as urinating is one way of excreting waste products from the body. Urine tests are also crucial in detecting any problems with the bladder or the intestines. 

Urine tests are also helpful in the diagnosis of diabetes and play a crucial role in diabetes management as runaway diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys overtime. Complete urine examination helps in understanding the scope of this damage and the treatment required. 

Why should you get a urine examination test done? 

• If you have diabetes 
• If you have an urinary infection 
• If you are having unexplained weight loss
• To know if you have any kidney or liver disease

Medically reviewed by Dr Shakti, General Physician/Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

Frequently asked questions

What is the right method to collect a urine sample?

The right method to collect a urine sample is to collect midstream urine. Discard the first few drops of urine as it might contain the microorganisms present on the surface of the genitals. It is advised to clean the genitals and surrounding area before the collection of a urine sample.

What are the signs and symptoms which can indicate problems in the urinary system?

The signs and symptoms which can indicate problems in the urinary system include pain in the abdomen, pain in the back, painful or frequent urination, and presence of blood in the urine.

What conditions or diseases can cause the abnormal color of urine?

The normal color of urine shades from yellow to pale or colorless to very dark or amber. Abnormal color of urine can be due to the presence of any disease or several medications such as multivitamins which can turn the color of urine bright yellow. The color of urine can also change due to eating certain foods such as eating beets can turn the color of urine to red. The presence of blood can also make the color of urine red. Yellow-brown or greenish-brown color might indicate the presence of bilirubin in the urine.

What substances can make urine cloudy?

The substances that can make urine cloudy but are not unhealthy include cells from the skin, mucus, sperm and prostatic fluids, normal urine crystals, and contaminants such as body lotions and powders. Other substances that can make urine cloudy include bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells, or any other conditions.

What are the risk factors for the occurrence of kidney stones?

The risk factors of occurrence of kidney stones include having a history of kidney stones, previous history of kidney stones, not drinking enough water, consuming a diet high in protein, sodium, and sugar; being overweight, history of gastric bypass or intestinal surgery; having polycystic kidney disease or another cystic kidney disease; conditions that can cause swelling or irritation in bowel or joints; medicines such as diuretics (water pills) or calcium-based antacids.

What are the types of urinary tract infection?

The types of urinary tract infection depend upon the part of the urinary tract which is infected. For example, if kidneys are infected, it is known as acute pyelonephritis. If bladders are infected, it is known as cystitis and if the urethra is infected, it is known as urethritis.

What are the risk factors for urinary tract infection?

The risk factors for urinary tract infection include shorter urethra in females, sexual activity, use of diaphragms for birth control, menopause, abnormalities in the urinary tract, blockages in the urinary tract, suppressed immune system, use of a urinary catheter, examination of urinary tract area, and surgery of urinary tract.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

Why are females more affected by urinary tract infections?

Females are more affected by urinary tract infections because their urethra is shorter as compared to men. Hence, they catch infections faster than men.

Why should females not give urine samples during periods?

Females should not go for a urine examination test during periods as there are chances that they will pass on period blood in the urine sample, which can result in wrong diagnosis.