Urinalysis (UA) includes several tests, in which the urine is examined for, among other things, the presence of cells, bacteria, protein and glucose. On the basis of urinalysis, it is possible to check on a variety of diseases in a simple manner.
Indication
Urinalysis is used to check if there are any problems with kidneys, urinary tract or a metabolic disease. In patients with chronic diseases, such as kidney disease or metabolic problems, the urinalysis is regularly repeated, in order to monitor the course of the disease and the effect of the treatment.
Working
Many diseases can be detected by urinalysis at an early stage, because they are exposed by substances in the urine that don’t belong there. For example glucose, protein, bilirubin, red blood cells, white blood cells, crystals and bacteria. These substances may end up in the urine because the kidneys don’t function properly, but also because they are (increased) present in the blood. When bacteria are found in the urine, this may indicate a urinary tract infection.
Procedure
A little urine is collected in a clean jar. The best way to do this is immediately after waking up. The urine is most concentrated then and defects are quickly identified. But the patient has to wash himself first, so no bacteria or skin cells enter the urine. The best sample is obtained by first peeing a little in the toilet, then to collect some urine and the rest can just go down the toilet again. Within two hours, the jar must be brought to the laboratory, otherwise it must be kept in the refrigerator.
