Urine Routine & Microscopy

Urine Routine & Microscopy test is done:

• To detect the infection in the urinary tract especially in the presence of symptoms such as abdominal pain, back pain, painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine
• To evaluate for kidney disorders
• To help in the diagnosis of metabolic disorders such as liver diseases, diabetes, etc.
• As a part of a routine health check-up
• As a work-up for planned surgery
• As a routine test in pregnancy to detect the presence of infection or other diseases

Urine Routine and Microscopy test involve the three-part evaluation of the urine sample.

1. Gross Examination - It involves the visual examination of the urine sample for color and appearance.

2. Chemical Examination - It is done by urine dip-stick method which involves the use of reagent test strips. These test strips are dipped into the urine sample and the colors that develop are matched with the control for analysis. It is done to examine the urine sample for glucose, protein, pH, specific gravity, blood, nitrites, ketones, leukocyte esterase, bilirubin, and urobilinogen.

3. Microscopic Examination - It involves the examination of the urine sample under the microscope for casts, crystals, cells, bacteria, and yeast.