Urinalysis, Microscopic
- $99.99
- $17.95
- Save: 82.05%
The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: UA, Microscopic, Urinalysis Microscopic, Urine Analysis, Microscopic
Amorphous Sediment
Bacteria
Calcium Oxalate Crystals
Casts
Crystals
Granular Cast
Hyaline Cast
Rbc
Renal Epithelial Cells
Squamous Epithelial Cells
Transitional Epithelial
Triple Phosphate Crystals
Uric Acid Crystals
WBC
YEAST
The Urinalysis, Microscopic test contains 1 test with 15 biomarkers .
Brief Description: A urinalysis microscopic test is a laboratory examination of a urine sample under a microscope to assess the presence of various components, such as cells, crystals, casts, and other microscopic elements. This test is an essential part of a comprehensive urinalysis and provides valuable information about the health of the urinary system and the body as a whole.
Collection Method: Urine Collection
Specimen Type: Urine
Test Preparation: No preparation required
When and Why the Test May Be Ordered:
A urinalysis microscopic test may be ordered for various reasons, including:
- Routine Check-ups: As part of regular health check-ups to monitor overall kidney and urinary system function.
- Diagnosis of Kidney Conditions: To evaluate kidney health, identify kidney disorders, and monitor the progression of kidney diseases.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): To diagnose UTIs by detecting bacteria, white blood cells, and other abnormalities in the urine.
- Monitoring Chronic Conditions: In patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions that can affect kidney function.
What the Test Checks For:
The urinalysis microscopic test checks for various microscopic elements in the urine, including:
- Cells: White blood cells (indicating inflammation or infection), red blood cells (suggestive of kidney disease or UTI), and epithelial cells (shed from the urinary tract lining).
- Crystals: These can form in concentrated urine and may indicate conditions like kidney stones.
- Casts: Casts are cylindrical structures formed in the kidney tubules and can indicate kidney damage or disease.
- Bacteria: Presence of bacteria suggests a urinary tract infection.
- Other Particles: Various particles, such as mucus, may provide additional diagnostic information.
Other Lab Tests That May Be Ordered Alongside:
When a Urinalysis Microscopic test is ordered, it's typically part of a broader assessment of kidney and urinary tract health. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:
-
- Purpose: To perform a preliminary assessment of urine using a dipstick that tests for substances like protein, glucose, blood, and pH.
- Why Is It Ordered: To quickly identify abnormalities that may warrant further microscopic examination.
-
- Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health, including white and red blood cells, and platelets.
- Why Is It Ordered: To check for signs of infection or inflammation, which can accompany urinary tract issues or kidney disease.
-
- Purpose: To assess how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
- Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate kidney function, as changes in urine can be related to kidney performance.
-
- Purpose: To measure levels of key electrolytes.
- Why Is It Ordered: To check for electrolyte imbalances that can occur with kidney dysfunction or urinary tract disorders.
-
- Purpose: To grow and identify bacteria or fungi from a urine sample.
- Why Is It Ordered: To diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) and identify the specific microorganisms involved, guiding appropriate treatment.
-
Urine Protein and Albumin Tests:
- Purpose: To measure the amount of protein or albumin in the urine.
- Why Is It Ordered: To screen for or monitor kidney disease, as proteinuria is a common sign of kidney damage.
-
- Purpose: To evaluate kidney function, particularly in certain populations where creatinine measurement may be less accurate.
- Why Is It Ordered: As an alternative or complement to creatinine in assessing kidney function.
These tests, when ordered alongside an Urinalysis Microscopic test, provide a comprehensive view of kidney and urinary tract health. They are crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the kidneys, urinary tract, and for guiding treatment. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and the initial findings of the urinalysis.
Conditions or Diseases Requiring the Test:
A urinalysis microscopic test is crucial for:
- Kidney Diseases: To assess the severity and progression of kidney conditions like glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease.
- Urinary Tract Infections: To diagnose and monitor the treatment of UTIs.
- Hematuria: To identify the source of blood in the urine, which could be due to kidney stones, infections, or other issues.
How Health Care Providers Use the Results:
- Diagnosis: Abnormalities in the urine can help diagnose kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, and other conditions.
- Monitoring: In patients with known kidney diseases, regular urinalysis helps monitor the disease's progression and response to treatment.
- Treatment Planning: Results guide healthcare providers in determining appropriate treatments, medications, and interventions.
- Early Detection: Early identification of kidney problems enables timely interventions, preventing further kidney damage.
In summary, the urinalysis microscopic test provides valuable insights into kidney and urinary tract health by examining microscopic components in the urine. It aids in diagnosing kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, and other conditions, and guides healthcare providers in treatment decisions and patient management.
Most Common Questions About the Urinalysis Microscopic test:
Clinical Utility and Interpretation
What does the Urinalysis Microscopic test diagnose?
The Urinalysis Microscopic test examines urine under a microscope to detect and measure various cells, cellular fragments, and other microscopic components. It's primarily used to help diagnose urinary tract infections, kidney diseases, and other conditions that can cause visible and microscopic blood in the urine.
What might the presence of white blood cells in the Urinalysis Microscopic test indicate?
White blood cells (or leukocytes) in the urine, a condition known as pyuria, often suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI). They can also be present due to other conditions like kidney diseases or inflammation.
Clinical Applications and Diagnoses
How can the Urinalysis Microscopic test be useful for someone with recurrent UTIs?
For individuals with recurrent UTIs, the Urinalysis Microscopic test can help determine the presence and extent of the infection, allowing healthcare providers to adjust or change treatment plans accordingly.
Can the Urinalysis Microscopic test detect kidney stones?
Yes, the test may reveal crystals that can be indicative of kidney stones. Different types of crystals can suggest different types of kidney stones.
Comparative Insights
How does the Urinalysis Microscopic test compare to a standard urinalysis?
While a standard urinalysis includes a visual and chemical examination of the urine, the Urinalysis Microscopic test specifically examines the urine under a microscope. It provides detailed information about cells, bacteria, and other microscopic substances in the urine, offering a more in-depth analysis.
Understanding Limitations and Challenges
Are there any substances or medications that can change the results of the Urinalysis Microscopic test?
Certain medications, foods, and pigments can discolor the urine, potentially affecting the results. For instance, consuming beets or blackberries can turn urine pink or reddish, and some medications can cause the urine to turn a variety of colors.
Can the test detect all types of kidney diseases?
While the Urinalysis Microscopic test can give indications of kidney problems by showing abnormalities in the urine, it can't diagnose all types of kidney diseases. Some kidney conditions may not produce any abnormalities in urine or may require other tests for a definitive diagnosis.
Additional Questions and Insights
Why might there be red blood cells in the urine as revealed by the Urinalysis Microscopic test?
The presence of red blood cells in the urine, known as hematuria, can be caused by several conditions, including UTIs, kidney diseases, bladder or kidney stones, and more rarely, tumors of the kidney or bladder.
Is it normal to find bacteria in the Urinalysis Microscopic test results?
While a small amount of bacteria might be found due to contamination from the skin, significant amounts of bacteria in a clean-catch urine sample typically suggest a urinary tract infection.
How often should someone with a history of urinary issues get the Urinalysis Microscopic test?
The frequency depends on the specific medical condition and the physician's recommendations. For chronic conditions or those prone to recurrent issues, regular monitoring might be advised.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.