A urinalysis is a test of your urine. It is often done to check for a urinary tract infection, kidney problems, or diabetes. You may also have one during a checkup, if you are admitted to the hospital, before you have surgery, or if you are pregnant. It can also monitor some medical conditions and treatments.
A urinalysis involves checking the urine for:
- Its color
- Its appearance (whether it is clear or cloudy)
- Any odor
- The pH level (acidity)
- Whether there are substances that are not normally in urine, such as blood, too much protein, glucose, ketones, and bilirubin
- Whether there are cells, crystals, and casts (tube-shaped proteins)
- Whether it contains bacteria or other germs
