Urinalysis Testing Clinic in Fairmont, and Mannington, WV

A full urinalysis is a comprehensive examination of a urine sample, used to detect and manage a wide range of conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, and diabetes. This process involves three key components: physical examination, chemical examination, and microscopic examination.

The physical component involves observing the urine’s color, clarity, and odor. Normal urine is usually pale yellow and clear, while deviations can indicate potential issues. For example, dark urine might suggest dehydration, while cloudy urine can indicate an infection.

In the chemical examination, the urine is assessed using a dipstick, which is a thin, plastic stick with strips of chemicals. When dipped into the urine, these strips change color to indicate the presence of certain substances. Doctors use this approach to assess the pH level, check glucose levels, and determine the presence of blood in the urine.

During the microscopic examination, a small amount of urine is placed under a microscope to check for crystals, bacteria, and other concerns. This portion of a urinalysis is performed to confirm kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and other concerns.

Urine tests are used for a variety of reasons, such as monitoring diseases, confirming pregnancy, and identifying infections. Some of the most common tests performed on urine include:

• Urine pregnancy tests – Urine tests are commonly used to confirm pregnancy due to their convenience. In this process, the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is assessed.
• Urine culture tests – Culture tests are performed to identify bacteria or fungi in the urine, which can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). A sample of urine is cultured in a lab to determine the type of organism causing the infection, allowing for targeted treatment.
• Kidney function tests – These tests measure substances in the urine that can indicate how well the kidneys are working. Commonly, kidney function tests assess the presence of protein, creatinine, and blood in a sample of urine. Elevated levels of these substances can indicate kidney disease or other issues.
• Urinary drug tests – Used to detect the presence of illegal drugs or prescription medications in the urine, these tests are commonly required in employment screenings and by professional sports organizations.

A urine test and a urinalysis are terms often used interchangeably; however, there is a slight distinction that’s important to understand. While urinalysis is a specific type of urine test, there are also other urine tests, such as urine cultures, pregnancy tests, and drug screenings. A urinalysis involves a detailed examination of urine through physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis. It is a multi-part test that provides important insights about the urine’s composition.

So, while urinalysis is a common and routine assessment, other urine tests may be used in certain circumstances, such as to confirm pregnancy or detect drug abuse. To determine what type of urine test you need, you should discuss your symptoms and concerns with a reputable healthcare provider.

A urinalysis can detect a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – The presence of white blood cells, nitrites, or bacteria may indicate an infection in the urinary system.
• Diabetes – The presence of glucose or ketones in the urine is a strong indicator of diabetes or uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
• Kidney diseases – High levels of protein, blood, or casts can be a result of conditions such as glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, or chronic kidney disease.
• Bladder diseases – Blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder infections, stones, or bladder cancer.
• Liver diseases – If bilirubin or urobilinogen is found in the sample, it may indicate liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

For comprehensive urinalysis services, visit the dedicated team at MedBridge WV in Fairmont and Mannington, WV. To consult our professionals, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Fairmont WV, White Hall WV, Pleasant Valley, WV, Westchester WV, Colfax WV, Monongah WV, and surrounding areas.