A urinalysis or general urine test is a series of urine tests that detect urinary tract infections and health conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. It can be part of a routine health check for adults and children.
Doctors may also request a general urine test if the patient shows symptoms of urinary tract infection.
A urinalysis gives an overview of the patient’s overall state of health and the health of his urinary system.
A complete urinalysis involves a visual, a chemical, and a microscopic analysis of the urine sample.
The results of the urine tests are grouped into three categories:
A urine culture is a laboratory test performed to diagnose a urinary tract infection. It is requested when there are symptoms of infection or if the general urine test indicates the presence of microorganisms. Urine cultures are also important during pregnancy or before urologic surgery.
Urine culture shows if the urinary tract has been infected with a germ. If the culture is negative, then there is no germ.
Otherwise, the bacterium is identified, and an antibiogram is issued. The antibiogram indicates to which antibiotics the bacterium is sensitive.
PLUS microbiology laboratory performs urine diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, urine culture, and antibiogram.
The front desk can receive the urine sample in the special urine collectors during the working hours of the laboratory.
Well-trained and experienced staff in the analysis of urine tests.
State-of-the-art analyzer for fast and accurate results.
The urine sample must be delivered to the laboratory within half an hour from the collection. Otherwise, it must be placed in the refrigerator or a container with ice cubes until delivery to the laboratory.
The urine sample for urinalysis or urine culture can be collected at any time of the day. However, it is advisable to collect the first-morning urine.
To ensure the test quality, you should follow the instructions below:
The 24-hour urine collection is a test used to access kidney function.
To collect the sample correctly, you need to follow the steps below:
24-hour urine collection – 1st day
24-hour urine collection – 2nd day
Some medications, such as antibiotics, and dietary supplements may affect the test. Urine culture should be done before receiving antibiotic treatment. Otherwise, you should inform your doctor and the laboratory staff.