Urinalysis is a common laboratory test that examines urine to diagnose or rule out health concerns. Microscopic urinalysis examines drops of urine in order to gather more detailed information for a diagnosis. Healthcare providers may order this test when they find abnormal results in other forms of urinalysis.
Find a CareNow® clinic near youWhat is microscopic urinalysis?
A microscopic urinalysis analyzes the sediment of urine. A machine separates the liquid from solid components, or sediment, in a urine sample. A technician places drops of sediment under a microscope. A technician counts the cells, crystals, microorganisms and other substances in the sediment. Abnormalities may indicate disease or other health disorders.
Why is microscopic urinalysis important?
A healthcare provider may use microscopic urinalysis to confirm a diagnosis. This test is especially important to provide information for patients who don’t have obvious symptoms.
A healthcare provider looks for:
- Abnormalities in white or red blood cells
- Crystals in urine
- Bacteria in urine
- Epithelial cells in urine
- Presence of protein casts
The results of microscopic urinalysis can detect health concerns, including:
- Urinary tract infection
- Urinary tract injury
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Liver disease
- Reactions to medication
- Viral, parasitic or yeast infections
What should I expect with a microscopic urinalysis?
A healthcare provider will need a urine sample to send to the lab for testing. You will collect a sample by urinating into a sterile cup. Your provider will give you more specific instructions on how to get a clean sample.
Be sure to give your healthcare provider a list of all the medicines and supplements you are taking. You can return to usual activities right after leaving your sample.
A healthcare provider may recommend additional tests based on test results.
If experience painful urination or see blood in your urine, contact the nearest CareNow® urgent care clinic for diagnosis.
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