Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Urine Screening
Urine screening is an essential component of women's health assessment. It can detect UTIs, which are more common in women, screen for gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, and provide insight into overall kidney and metabolic health.
What It Measures
A urinalysis uses a chemically treated dipstick to measure several parameters in a single urine sample. These typically include pH, specific gravity, glucose, protein, blood, leukocytes, nitrites, ketones, bilirubin, and urobilinogen.
Each parameter provides different information about your health. For example, glucose may suggest diabetes, protein may indicate kidney damage, leukocytes and nitrites can signal infection, and blood may point to a variety of urinary tract conditions.
Each parameter provides different information about your health. For example, glucose may suggest diabetes, protein may indicate kidney damage, leukocytes and nitrites can signal infection, and blood may point to a variety of urinary tract conditions.
Why It Matters
Urinalysis is one of the most commonly performed screening tests because it can detect a wide range of conditions quickly and non-invasively. It serves as an important first step in evaluating kidney function, detecting urinary tract infections, and identifying metabolic disorders.
Abnormal findings on a urinalysis may prompt further investigation with more specific tests. Regular screening can help identify developing health issues before symptoms become apparent.
Abnormal findings on a urinalysis may prompt further investigation with more specific tests. Regular screening can help identify developing health issues before symptoms become apparent.
When to Test
Urinalysis is commonly included in routine health check-ups and pre-operative assessments. It may also be ordered when urinary symptoms are present, during pregnancy, or to monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
It is a useful baseline test for anyone starting a new health screening programme, as it provides a broad overview of multiple health parameters in a single, simple test.
It is a useful baseline test for anyone starting a new health screening programme, as it provides a broad overview of multiple health parameters in a single, simple test.
Symptoms
Low Levels
Normal urinalysis results across all parameters indicate healthy urinary tract and metabolic function.
High Levels
Changes in urine colour, clarity, or odour
Pain or burning during urination
Frequent urination or urgency
Blood visible in urine
Swelling in extremities or around the eyes
Pain or burning during urination
Frequent urination or urgency
Blood visible in urine
Swelling in extremities or around the eyes
Recommendations
Female
If Low
Normal urine screening results indicate no detectable abnormalities. Maintain healthy hydration habits.
If High
Abnormal urine screening results may indicate infection, kidney disease, or metabolic conditions. Consult your healthcare provider for follow-up testing.
Lifestyle Tips
Stay well hydrated throughout the day to support healthy urine concentration and kidney function. Maintain a balanced diet and limit excessive sugar and salt intake, which can affect multiple urinalysis parameters.
Practice good urinary hygiene and do not ignore changes in urine appearance or new urinary symptoms. Regular check-ups that include urinalysis can help catch developing issues early.
Practice good urinary hygiene and do not ignore changes in urine appearance or new urinary symptoms. Regular check-ups that include urinalysis can help catch developing issues early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a urinalysis detect?
A urinalysis can detect a wide range of conditions including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, liver problems, and dehydration. It measures parameters such as protein, glucose, blood, pH, and the presence of bacteria-related indicators like leukocytes and nitrites.
How should I prepare for a urinalysis?
Generally, no special preparation is needed. A midstream, clean-catch urine sample is typically requested to reduce contamination. Your healthcare provider may advise you to avoid certain foods, supplements, or medications that could affect results.
Can a urinalysis replace a blood test?
No, a urinalysis and blood tests provide complementary information. While urinalysis can screen for certain conditions like diabetes and kidney problems, blood tests offer more detailed and specific measurements. Both are often used together for comprehensive health assessment.