It has long been known to mankind that based on the results of a general urine test in women, men, and also young children, conclusions can be drawn about the state of health of the subject.
Currently, laboratories are equipped with all the necessary equipment and reagents, which allows you to diagnose in just a few minutes. However, it is necessary to prepare and carry out the collection of urine for a general analysis correctly. This will allow you to get the most reliable and informative results.
Only a doctor can correctly interpret the analysis data. Self-decryption can lead to erroneous conclusions. Nevertheless, everyone should know what is included in the general analysis of urine and that when receiving suspicious results, you should contact a medical institution as soon as possible.
Indications for appointment
Urine is a biological material, which is one of the end products of the human body. Up to 99% of the volume of urine excreted is water. However, harmful compounds, salts, hormones, etc. are excreted along with urine.
That is why an indispensable diagnostic test is a general urine test. Deciphering the study takes only a couple of minutes with the doctor, and the specialist receives a lot of information. If at least one of the indicators deviates from the generally accepted norms to a greater or lesser extent, additional studies are prescribed.
During the analysis, the laboratory assistant evaluates not only organoleptic, but also physico-chemical properties, and also conducts microscopy. This allows you to identify almost any pathology even at the very early stage of its development.
Indications for the purpose of the study:
- The patient has alarming symptoms, especially indicating impaired functioning of the kidneys and other organs of the urinary system.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Prevention of the development of various pathologies. In this case, the analysis is appointed as part of the annual medical commissions.
- Hospitalization in a hospital, including for the purpose of receiving surgical treatment.
- Monitoring the health status of women during the period of bearing a child.
The undeniable advantage of the study is that with its help it is possible to identify even those pathologies that are asymptomatic.
Training
Urinalysis is a laboratory test method, the results of which are more directly dependent on the patient. That is why the delivery of biological material must be treated responsibly.
In preparation for a general urinalysis, the following measures must be taken:
- The day before the collection of urine, it is necessary to exclude products from the diet that can affect its color. These include: confectionery, marinades, smoked meats, vibrant vegetables and fruits and dishes containing them.
- For 48 hours, you need to abandon the use of alcohol-containing drinks, as well as from the intake of dietary supplements, vitamins and diuretics. The latter, incidentally, is the favorite of many coffee.
- For 24 hours, you must refuse to visit saunas and baths.
- 2 days before the delivery of the biomaterial, it is necessary to reduce the intensity of physical activity to a minimum or not to train at all.
In addition, if the patient takes any medications, he needs to inform the attending physician about this. The specialist will either advise you to cancel the treatment for several days, or take this fact into account when decoding the general urine test.
The analysis must be rescheduled for another day if the patient has an increase in body temperature or blood pressure. Menstrual bleeding in women is also a relative contraindication.
Rules for collecting urine for a general analysis
It is important to know that the biomaterial sample should not contain any foreign matter. That is why it is necessary to be responsible for collecting urine for a general analysis. The most informative are the results obtained during the study of urine accumulated overnight, that is, morning.
How to pass urine:
- General analysis involves the evaluation of many indicators. So that the results are not false, it is necessary to take a shower before collecting the material. In this case, it is better to use ordinary or baby soap, means for intimate hygiene or shower gels should not be used.
- The most important rule for collecting urine for a general analysis is that the dishes should be sterile. If you plan to use a glass jar, you must disinfect it, but in the end, no traces of any cleaning agent should be found in it. It is recommended to collect urine in a disposable sterile container, which can be purchased at any pharmacy.
- Regarding how to pass urine. In a general analysis, bacteria that enter the biomaterial from the external genitalia should not be detected. In this regard, it is necessary to lower a small amount of urine into the toilet bowl and, without stopping the stream, substitute a previously prepared container for biomaterial. Regarding how many ml. General urine analysis can be successfully performed with a small amount. Doctors recommend collecting at least 60 ml of urine. Then the container must be tightly closed with a lid and delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible. You can store biomaterial for 2 hours in a cool place. After the specified time, urine will become unsuitable for research. Deciphering the general analysis of urine is likely to lead to erroneous conclusions.
The rules for collecting biomaterial are relevant for both adults and children. If you need to take urine from a small child, it is recommended to use a special urinal.
Organoleptic indicators
The resulting biological material in the laboratory is studied in several directions.
What is included in the general analysis of urine:
- Organoleptic indicators.
- Physico-chemical characteristics.
- Biochemical indicators.
- Microscopic examination.
Initially, the laboratory assistant evaluates those characteristics that can be qualitatively studied using the senses. These indicators are described in the table below.
Characteristic | Norm indicators | Possible results and their interpretation |
Diuresis | It is evaluated only when it is necessary to find out how much urine is released per day. Norm - 3/4 of the drunk liquid. Often, this indicator is evaluated according to the patient | • Polyuria. This is a condition in which a very large amount of urine is released. Reasons: diabetes, nervous excitement, post-febrile condition, resorption of edema. • Oliguria - insufficient volume (up to 500 ml) of urine. Reasons: pathology of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. • Anuria. In this case, no more than 200 ml of liquid is released per day. Causes: tumors, acute renal failure, obstruction of the urinary tract, nephritis, meningitis. • Pollakiuria - a frequent occurrence of urges, indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. • Olakizuria - lack of urge. Talks about the presence of neuro-reflex disorders. • Dysuria - pain during the act of urination. Indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. • Enuresis. In this case, the person does not control urination. Reasons: fever, acute inflammatory processes, disorders of the central nervous system |
Smell | Must be specific but not sharp | In medicine, several dozen odors of urine are distinguished. In practice, the most common are: • Fecal. Indicates the presence of vesicorectal fistula. • Putrid. Speaks of gangrenous bladder inflammation. • Ammonium. It is a symptom of fermentation processes. |
Color | Straw yellow. May be slightly lighter or darker | • Dark yellow. Reasons: pathology of the cardiovascular system, unbalanced nutrition, insufficient volume of fluid consumed. • Greenish, brown. Causes: obstructive jaundice, liver damage, hemolytic anemia. • Red. Reasons: porphyria, hemolytic crisis. • Blue. Indicates the occurrence of putrefactive processes in the intestine. • The black. Causes: melanosarcoma, melanoma, hemolytic anemia. • Pink. Indicates the presence of phenolphthalein, which, in turn, indicates a violation during the alkaline reaction. • Yellow green. It indicates the presence of pathologies accompanied by the formation of exudate |
Transparency | Normally, urine should not contain impurities and be transparent | Salts in the urine of an adult may indicate the presence of an infectious process, metabolic disturbance. In addition, they are often a sign of an unbalanced diet and non-compliance with the drinking regime. In a child, salts may appear against the background of dehydration and high-intensity physical activity |
| Foaminess | After shaking, a small amount of transparent unstable foam should form. | Persistent and thick foam indicates the presence of protein in urine. If it is yellow, this is a sign of jaundice in the patient’s body |
If organoleptic indicators go beyond the norm, this already indicates the development of the studied pathology in the body. Which one - will show a detailed analysis of other characteristics. Often, for the diagnosis, a comprehensive diagnosis is indicated, including both laboratory and instrumental studies.
physical and chemical indicators
At this stage, the laboratory assistant finds out the specific gravity of urine and its acidity. In the forms, they are indicated by the symbols SG and pH, respectively.
The specific gravity index directly depends on how many microcomponents are in urine. Normally, it should be from 1010 to 1022 g / l.
Deviation from the norm in a smaller direction may indicate the presence of:
- Hypertension.
- Diabetes
- Renal failure.
In addition, this condition often occurs against the background of prolonged treatment with diuretics.
High specific gravity may indicate diabetes mellitus and the presence of edema in the patient's body. In addition, a deviation from the norm upward can occur during pregnancy if a woman suffers from toxicosis.
Urine is a neutral or slightly acidic fluid. Therefore, its pH should vary from 5.0 to 7.0.
If the acidity is less than 5.0, this is a warning sign. Possible reasons:
- Nephritis.
- Acidosis.
- Gout.
- Tuberculosis.
An increase in the acidity of urine can also occur if the human diet is rich in meat products.
If the pH is greater than 7.0, this indicates that the reaction is alkaline. The reasons for this condition:
- Alkalosis.
- Renal failure.
- Hyperkalemia
- The presence of inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system.
In addition, a change in pH in this case may occur due to excessive consumption of vegetables and mineral alkaline water.
Biochemical characteristics
At this stage, the specialist needs to determine whether the following components are present in the urine and at what concentration: protein, glucose, bilirubin, ketone bodies. The indicators and their interpretation are described in the table below.
| Characteristic | Norm | Decryption |
| Protein | Normally, it should not be in urine. However, doctors admit its presence, but not more than 0.033 g / l | If its concentration is higher than generally accepted value, it is customary to talk about proteinuria. Causes of protein in the urine: - Unbalanced diet.
- Frequent stress.
- Diseases of the digestive system.
- Kidney damage on the background of existing ailments, for example, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, lipoid nephrosis, carcinoma.
- Poisoning the body with poisonous compounds.
- Dehydration.
- Hypothermia.
- Hypertension.
- Pathology of the genitourinary system.
Often, protein is detected during pregnancy. This condition requires strict monitoring, so it may indicate the presence of gestosis |
| Glucose | Up to 0.8 mmol / l | Normally, glucose that has not entered the bloodstream is completely reabsorbed in the kidneys. In other words, it should not be in urine, or it can be present, but in a negligible concentration. Causes of glucose (sugar) in the urine: - The abuse of sugary foods.
- Long stay in a state of severe stress.
- Pregnancy (in this case we are talking about a natural increase in glucose concentration).
- Diabetes.
- Pancreatitis in acute form.
- Hyperthyroidism
- Acromegaly.
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease.
- Meningitis.
- The presence of malignant neoplasms in the brain.
- Stroke.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Severe intoxication of the body.
- Tubulopathy.
- Renal diabetes.
- Pyelonephritis.
- Acute renal failure.
- Glomerulonephritis.
- Nephrosis.
In addition, glucose often appears in the urine amid high body temperature |
| Bilirubin | Normally, it is contained in urine. But its concentration in urine is so small that it is not determined during the general urinalysis | Causes of bilirubin in the urine (in any concentration): - Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cancer.
- Pathology of the gallbladder and its ducts.
- Metastatic carcinoma of the liver.
- Jaundice (in particular, parenchymal)
|
| Ketone Ketone Bodies | These include substances whose formation occurs in the liver: acetone, beta-hydroxybutyric and acetoacetic acids. Normally, they should be absent in the urine. | The reasons for the appearance of ketone bodies in urine: - Diabetes.
- Starvation (they enter the urine when the body begins to receive energy from fat cells).
- Dehydration
- Hypothermia.
- Frequent and high-intensity physical activity.
- Pregnancy.
- Hypothermia.
- Staying long under stress.
- The predominance of fatty and protein foods in the diet.
- Violation of the thyroid gland.
- The intoxication process that arose after consuming a large number of alcoholic beverages or low-quality food.
- Leukemia
- Anemia.
- Pathology of viral and infectious pathology
|
At this stage, the laboratory assistant studies the indicators, the presence of which in the urine is accompanied by a deterioration in overall health. Patients may complain of apathy, a constant feeling of fatigue, discomfort.
Microscopic examination
At this stage, the laboratory assistant is studying the sediment. These are substances and cells that precipitate after a short centrifugation of urine.
The study of sediment is one of the most important steps in conducting a general urinalysis. Deciphering the study involves evaluating several indicators. Their description and possible results are presented in the table below.
| Indicator | Norm | Interpretation of Results |
| Red blood cells | Must be absent. With small injuries, 1-2 red blood cells in the field of view are allowed | Red blood cells in the general analysis of urine may indicate the presence of the following pathologies: - Prostate cancer.
- Prostatitis.
- Uterine bleeding.
- Kidney cancer
- Cervical erosion.
- Pyelonephritis.
- Urolithiasis.
- Severe intoxication process.
- Hemophilia.
Sometimes red blood cells in urine appear against the background of prolonged drug treatment |
| White blood cells | In men - up to 3 pieces in sight, in women - up to 6 | Reasons for deviation from the norm in a big way: - Cystitis.
- Urolithiasis disease.
- Pyelonephritis.
- Urethritis.
- Sepsis.
- The presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- Allergic reaction.
- The presence of malignant neoplasms.
- Glomerulonephritis.
- High intensity of physical activity.
In addition, an increase in the number of these cells in the field of vision occurs during the period of gestation. However, if there are more than 10 leukocytes in the general analysis of urine, this clearly indicates that the pathological process is progressing in the body |
| Hyaline cylinders | These are formations, the composition of which is represented by the protein and cells of the renal tubules. Normally, they should not be in urine | Most often, hyaline cylinders are found in the general analysis of urine with pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis. Less commonly, their presence indicates hypertension. In addition, they may appear against the background of prolonged use of diuretic drugs. |
| Granular cylinders | Their composition is represented by cells of the renal tubules and red blood cells. Normally, it should not be in the urine | Any concentration of granular cylinders may indicate: - Pyelonephritis.
- Glomerulonephritis.
- Intoxication resulting from lead poisoning.
- Infections of viral etiology
|
| Wax cylinders | They are formed if a hyaline or granular cylinder has been in the renal tubule for a long time. Accordingly, normally they should not be in urine | Reasons for having renal cylinders: - Nephrotic syndrome.
- Renal failure of a chronic nature.
- Amyloidosis
|
| Bacteria | Must be absent | Causes of bacteria in urine: - Prostatitis.
- Urethritis.
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| | Their presence in urine is a sign of damage to the external organs or urinary system by fungi. Less commonly, they are a symptom of immunodeficiency. In addition, fungi may appear against the background of prolonged antibiotic therapy. |
| Parasites | Must be absent | The presence of parasites indicates helminthic invasion. In this case, an additional blood test for antibodies is indicated. Based on the results, antiparasitic therapy is performed. |
As can be seen from the table, the above indicators should not be detected normally. Their presence is the reason for a comprehensive examination in order to identify a particular disease.
Where to turn in
Biomaterial is taken both in state and in commercial medical institutions. In the first case, it is necessary to draw up a referral with the attending physician and send urine on the appointed day, in the second case, it is enough to find out the laboratory working hours in the registry.
Cost
The price of research directly depends on the type of institution and its policy. In state clinics, analysis is free. In private institutions, its average cost is 450 rubles.
Finally
One of the most commonly prescribed is a general urine test. Decoding the study involves the assessment of many indicators of urine. Thanks to this, the analysis is very informative. Based on the data obtained, it can be concluded about the state of human health. If the results are poor, more specific tests are indicated.