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Home > Conditions & Concerns  > Diagnostic Tests >  Routine  Urine Examination

Routine Urine Examination 

Routine urine examination is detailed analysis of urine.  It helps detect alterations in the composition of the urine which help in the diagnosis of many disorders.
 

When a sample of urine is submitted to a pathological laboratory, the following examinations are done:

1. Physical examination

2. Chemical examination

3. Microscopic examination

Various Examinations

Physical
    Examination

Chemical
    Examination

Microscopic
    Examination  

Physical Examination 

1. Volume

	Normal volume of an early morning mid-stream sample is 50 - 300 ml.
	If it is more than 500ml, it indicates diabetes or polyuria (frequent passing of urine).
	If it is less than 20ml, it indicates some kidney disorder.

2. Color 

	The normal color of urine is pale yellow.
	If it is dark yellow to orange, it indicates some liver disorder.
	If it is white, it shows the presence of pus.
	If it is pink to red,. it indicates the presence of red blood cells.
	If it is brownish black, it indicates the presence of melanin or homogenistic acid (a rare disorder).
	If it is blue  to green, it is a liver disorder.

Sometimes, due to the intake of some food or medicines also, one could notice a change in the color or their urine e.g. the intake of beet imparts a reddish color to urine.  The intake of vitamin B  capsules gives a dark yellow color to it, if rimfamycin is taken, it gives an orange tinge to the urine.

3. Appearance

	Usually, it is clear, sometimes, it is cloudy.
	Sometimes, it is turbid due to the presence of WBCs (White Blood Cells), epithelial cells
	Sometimes, it is hazy due to mucus.
	Smoky, due to red blood cells.
	Milky due to chyle (lymph).

4. Reaction

	Usually acidic pH range 4.5 - 7.5.
	If pH less than 4.7 it is more acidic.
	If pH more than 7.5 it is more alkaline.

5. Odor

	Usually, it is aromatic in normal conditions.
	It has a fruity odor in diabetes.
	Ammoniacal odor in cases of urine retention.
	Foul smelling due to urinary tract infection.

6. Sediment formation at the bottom of a container after collection

	Usually, there is no or very little formation of sediment in normal conditions.
	If pus cells, red blood cells, cysts or epithelial cells are present, the sedimentation rate ranges from moderate to high.

7. Specific Gravity 

	Usually varies from 1.003 to 1.060
	A low special gravity indicates diabetes insipidus or kidney infection (chronic).
	High Specific Gravity indicates diabetes mellitus or acute kidney infection.