Quick Facts
- Sample: Urine specimen collected using the midstream clean-catch method.
- Fasting: No fasting is required before testing.
- Turnaround: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Important: This test can identify urine findings that may suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI), but it is not intended to diagnose or confirm a UTI. A urine culture may be needed for definitive diagnosis.
Benefits
- Screens for infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and liver issues in one test.
- No needle or blood draw—just a simple urine sample.
- Low-cost, noninvasive first step before more targeted testing.
- Microscopic review adds diagnostic depth beyond a basic dipstick strip.
- Fast results you can share with your doctor for quick follow-up.
- Useful for routine screening even before symptoms appear. (CDC, 2024)
Who Is This Test For?
- People with painful, frequent, cloudy, or foul-smelling urination.
- Anyone who notices blood, foam, or unusual color in their urine.
- People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
- Those monitoring known kidney disease or recurring UTIs.
- Anyone wanting a convenient, privacy-friendly urinary health snapshot.
- People preparing for a routine health check-up or pre-surgical evaluation.
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Select the test, pay securely, and receive your lab requisition instantly.
- Collect your sample — Visit any partnered lab; provide a midstream clean-catch urine specimen.
- Review your results — Receive results digitally within 1–2 business days and share with your doctor.
FAQ
What does this test check for? It evaluates urine appearance, chemical markers (protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrites, leukocytes), and microscopic elements (red and white blood cells, casts, crystals, bacteria). Together these can flag infection, kidney stress, and metabolic issues. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting is required. Follow your lab's instructions; some may prefer a first-morning sample for better concentration of findings. (University of Rochester Medical Center)
Will this test diagnose a UTI on its own? Urinalysis can strongly suggest infection, but it does not identify the exact bacteria or antibiotic sensitivity. A urine culture is recommended if infection is confirmed or suspected. (UTI Testing Reference)
What if my results come back abnormal? Abnormal findings are a starting point, not a final diagnosis. Your doctor may order a urine culture, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), or blood tests (eGFR/creatinine) for follow-up. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
Who should get this test regularly? People with diabetes or hypertension should be screened at least annually. The ADA recommends yearly UACR and eGFR checks for anyone with type 2 diabetes and for type 1 patients after 5 years. (ADA Standards of Care 2025)
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
Urinalysis, Complete with Microscopic Examination, is a three-part urine evaluation: visual inspection, dipstick chemical screening, and microscopic analysis. It can detect early clues of urinary tract infection, kidney disease, diabetes, liver problems, and dehydration. Because it combines all three methods, it provides a broader picture than a basic strip test alone. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone with urinary symptoms—burning, frequency, cloudiness, or blood—benefits from this test. It is also valuable for people managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or known kidney disease, as well as those who simply want an affordable, noninvasive first look at their urinary and kidney health. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
When should I order this test?
Consider ordering if you have any of the following:
- Pain or burning during urination, or a frequent urge to go.
- Cloudy, dark, foamy, or foul-smelling urine.
- Blood in urine, flank pain, or unexplained fever and fatigue.
- Swelling in hands, feet, or around the eyes.
- Diagnosed diabetes, hypertension, or CKD requiring routine monitoring.
- A desire for a general urinary or metabolic health screen. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
How do I interpret the results?
Protein (Elevated)
- What It Means: May indicate kidney stress, kidney damage, or chronic kidney disease.
- Typical Action: Repeat the test and consider a Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) for further evaluation.
Glucose (Present)
- What It Means: May suggest diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels.
- Typical Action: Consult a healthcare provider and consider blood glucose testing.
Nitrites and/or Leukocytes (Present)
- What It Means: May indicate a bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Typical Action: Discuss results with your healthcare provider; a urine culture may be recommended.
Blood (Red Blood Cells Present)
- What It Means: May be associated with kidney disease, kidney stones, urinary tract injury, or other urinary tract conditions.
- Typical Action: Additional testing, imaging studies, or a referral to a urologist may be recommended.
Ketones (Present)
- What It Means: Indicates the body is using fat for energy, which may occur during fasting, low-carbohydrate diets, or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Typical Action: Review dietary habits and blood sugar management with your healthcare provider.
Casts (Detected on Microscopic Examination)
- What It Means: May be a sign of kidney inflammation, injury, or other kidney disorders.
- Typical Action: Follow up with a healthcare provider; referral to a nephrologist or internal medicine specialist may be appropriate.
All Markers Within Normal Range
- What It Means: No significant abnormalities were detected in the urine sample.
- Typical Action: Continue routine health monitoring and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is needed. Collect urine using a midstream clean-catch technique in a sterile container to minimize contamination. Label the sample immediately and deliver it to the lab promptly—delays can affect microscopic accuracy. Follow your lab's specific transport instructions. (University of Rochester Medical Center)
How often should I get tested?
- Healthy adults with no known risk factors: As part of an annual wellness exam or when symptoms arise.
- Individuals with type 2 diabetes: At least once per year, typically alongside a Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) and eGFR test.
- Individuals with type 1 diabetes (5 years or longer since diagnosis): At least once per year.
- Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or high blood pressure: As recommended by their healthcare provider, often every 3–6 months.
- Individuals with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): During each symptomatic episode and as follow-up after treatment.
Why early detection matters
Protein leaking into urine is one of the earliest detectable signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet the CDC notes that CKD is often caught late. (CDC, June 2024) Meanwhile, fewer than 40% of patients with diabetes have received recommended annual kidney health screening. (National Kidney Foundation, August 2024) Early abnormalities found on urinalysis—before symptoms become severe—allow for lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, and closer monitoring that can meaningfully slow disease progression.
Related tests you may consider
Urine Culture — Identifies the specific bacteria causing a UTI and guides antibiotic selection; best paired when urinalysis suggests infection.
Urine Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio, Random — A more targeted kidney screen for people with diabetes or hypertension; detects small amounts of protein not always flagged by standard dipstick.
Serum Creatinine with eGFR — Measures kidney filtration function from a blood sample; recommended alongside urine testing for comprehensive CKD screening.
