Urine Tests

Urine Tests

1. Urological Tests:

• Urine Tests: Includes:

• Urinalysis: Evaluates color, clarity, odor, specific gravity, pH, levels of protein, glucose, ketone, bilirubin, urobilinogen, red blood cells, white blood cells, casts, crystals, yeast, bacteria…

• Urine Sediment Examination: Analyzes sediment to find red blood cells, white blood cells, casts, crystals, yeast, bacteria…

• Quantitative Urine Tests: Determines the concentration of substances in urine, such as protein, glucose, creatinine, albumin…

• Urine Culture: Detects and quantifies bacteria in urine to diagnose urinary tract infections.

• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Assesses kidney function.

• Immunological Tests: Detects antibodies and antigens related to kidney disease.

• Morphological Investigations: Includes:

• Renal Ultrasound: Evaluates kidney size, shape, and structure.

• Kidney X-ray: Detects kidney stones, kidney malformations.

• CT Scan, MRI: Provides detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.

• Kidney Biopsy: Takes a sample of kidney tissue for pathological examination, helping to accurately diagnose kidney diseases.

2. Urine Collection Methods:

• First Morning Urine:

• Advantages: Concentrated urine, accurate assessment of disease.

• Disadvantages: Difficult for patients living far away.

• Random Urine:

• Advantages: Easy to collect, readily available.

• Disadvantages: Test results depend on the patient’s diet.

3. Urine Collection Techniques:

There are six urine collection techniques:

• 24-hour Urine Collection: Collects all urine over 24 hours to assess kidney function, especially for determining the amount of proteinuria.

• Midstream Urine: Collects the middle portion of urine flow, limiting bacteria from the urethra, making it more accurate in diagnosing urinary tract infections.

• Urine Collection Through Bladder Puncture: Usually applied to children who cannot urinate independently, performed under ultrasound guidance.

• Urine Collection Through Catheterization: Used to collect urine when patients cannot urinate independently, also for checking the cause of urinary retention.

• Urine Collection Through Cystoscopy: Collects urine directly from the bladder, usually performed in cases of suspected bladder cancer.

• Morning Urine: The most commonly used type of urine, used to observe urinary sediment like red blood cells, casts…

4. Purposes and Advantages of Each Urine Type:

• 24-hour Urine:

• Purpose: Diagnosing nephrotic syndrome (NS) with proteinuria > 3g, controlling blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease.

• Advantages: Shows the amount of protein in 1 day, more accurate in diagnosing NS and controlling blood pressure.

• Midstream Urine:

• Purpose: Finding bacteriuria.

• Advantages: Eliminates bacteria from the urethra, helps accurately diagnose urinary tract infections.

• Urine Collection Through Bladder Puncture:

• Purpose: Collecting urine in children who cannot urinate independently.

• Urine Collection Through Catheterization:

• Purpose: Checking the cause of urinary retention, whether it’s due to bacteria or not.

5. Urinary Tract Infection Causing Urinary Retention:

Urinary tract infections can cause urinary retention because bacteria cause inflammation, swelling, and fibrosis, narrowing the urinary tract.

6. Urine Tests:

• Urine Test Information: Divided into two characteristics:

• Physical Characteristics: Color, specific gravity, pH, odor.

• Biochemical Characteristics: Analyzing chemical components such as protein, glucose, ketone, bilirubin…

• Cola-colored Urine: Suggests possible presence of hemoglobin or myoglobin in the urine.

• Differentiating Hemoglobin and Myoglobin: Based on history:

• Muscle injury: Suggests myoglobin.

• Intravascular hemolysis: Suggests hemoglobin.

7. Rifampicin:

Rifampicin is a drug used to treat tuberculosis.

Notes:

• Store urine correctly, avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.

• Maintain hygiene before collecting urine.

• Always consult with your doctor about the appropriate urine collection method.