Urine Test Results Explained

What is a Urine Test?

A urine test is a medical test performed to determine the concentration of various compounds in the urine. The test is used to diagnose and monitor conditions that involve the kidneys, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary tract infections. It can also be used to detect pregnancy, drug use, and the presence of certain substances in the body.

What is Checked in a Urine Test?

A urine test typically checks for a variety of components including: glucose, protein, red and white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances. The specific components tested for depend on the purpose of the test, and can vary from patient to patient.

Understanding Urine Test Results

Urine test results are typically reported in terms of concentration, or the amount of a given substance present in the sample. If a substance is present in higher than normal concentrations, it may indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition. Conversely, if a substance is present in lower than normal concentrations, it can be indicative of dehydration or an underlying medical condition.

Normal Results

Normal results are typically reported as “negative”, meaning that no substances were detected in the sample at concentrations that are considered to be outside of the normal range. If a test result is reported as “normal”, it usually indicates that no medical conditions were detected.

Abnormal Results

If a test result is reported as “abnormal”, it typically indicates that one or more substances were detected in the sample at concentrations that are considered to be outside of the normal range. In these cases, additional testing and consultation with a physician is often recommended to determine the underlying cause.

Interpreting Urine Test Results

Interpreting urine test results requires a thorough understanding of the various types of tests and the various values that are considered to be “normal”. In some cases, an abnormal result may be due to a laboratory error, so it is important to have a physician interpret the results.

Conclusion

Urine tests are a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of medical conditions. Understanding urine test results is an important part of being an informed patient. It is important to consult with a physician to ensure that the results are interpreted correctly and to determine the underlying cause of any abnormal results.