What is a Urinalysis?
A urinalysis is a diagnostic test performed on a urine sample. Not only can a urinalysis provide insights about your child’s overall health, but it can also indicate more specific conditions based off a variety of different factors.
Most often, a urinalysis will be conducted to determine the health of an individual’s kidneys or related bodily systems.
What is Evaluated During a Urinalysis?
There are three main components to a urinalysis, including:
- Dipstick Test
- Visual Test
- Microscopic Exam
The dipstick test utilizes a chemical strip of paper that changes color based on different properties detected in the urine. This test is able to measure several key components of the urine, such as its:
- Acidity
- Protein levels
- Ketones
- Concentration
- Signs of blood in the kidneys
- Bilirubin
- Sugar levels
- Signs of an infection
With the visual test, the lab technician is searching for any immediate warning signs as indicated by discoloration or abnormal odor of the urine.
Finally, the microscopic exam will reveal more about the composition of the urine. This can alert your doctor to any issues with the white or red blood cell count in a patient’s body, as well as the formation or development of other concerning factors such as bacteria, yeasts, crystals, or casts.
What Should I Expect During a Urinalysis?
A urinalysis is really quite simple. All that is required from the child is a sample for testing. To best prepare for providing a urine sample, parents should follow all instructions given to them by Pediatrics West.
When Will I Receive My Child’s Urinalysis Results?
Test results from a urinalysis are typically available within a few days. It is important to remember that your child’s results may not provide a definitive diagnosis, but will aid in narrowing down the possible conditions that are affecting them.
Once the results are ready, your doctor or an affiliate of Pediatrics West will deliver the news either by phone or during your next appointment.
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