Urinalysis and Urine Chemistry Tests

Explore urinalysis and urine chemistry tests—including UTI testing products—to help monitor women’s health and offer rapid access to diagnostic results.

UTI Testing

A urinary tract infection or UTI is typically caused by bacteria that enters the urethra. The urinary tract produces and stores urine, one of the body’s waste products. Urine is created by the kidneys and moves through the ureters to the bladder, where it is temporarily stored until it is urinated through the urethra.

Since women have shorter urethras with openings near the vagina and rectum, bacteria can more easily enter the urethra and travel to the bladder or kidneys. UTIs in women are most often caused by Escherischia coli, a bacterium that lives in the gut.

To diagnose a UTI, physicians will usually order a urinalysis and a urine culture. The presence of bacteria and white blood cells in the urine can be detected using a chemical test strip or by microscopic examination of the urine sediment. For culture, a "clean catch" or “midstream” urine sample is preferred. If the culture is positive for E. coli or another pathogen, further testing with antibiotics (sensitivity or susceptibility testing) can help determine the best treatment agent.

Bacterial cultures need at least 24 hours to produce preliminary results. However, instruments have been developed to more rapidly determine the presence of pathogens, which can hasten treatment.

Urinalysis and urine chemistry tests play a critical role in evaluating and monitoring women's health. These diagnostic tests provide valuable insights into various aspects of urinary, renal, and overall well-being.

• Early detection of health issues: Urinalysis and urine chemistry tests can detect early signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are more common in women. Prompt detection allows for timely treatment, preventing discomfort and complications.
• Monitoring kidney function: Kidney function can be assessed by measuring creatinine, albumin, and other biological indicators in urine. Monitoring kidney health is vital for women, as they are more likely to experience chronic kidney disease.
• Pregnancy monitoring: Urine tests during pregnancy can help detect conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Regular testing throughout pregnancy helps to reduce the likelihood of unexpected complications.
• Hormonal imbalance: Certain hormonal imbalances in women, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can be detected through urinalysis. Monitoring hormone levels aids in diagnosis and ongoing management.
• Metabolic disorders: Urine chemistry tests can help identify diabetes, liver disease, and other metabolic disorders by detecting abnormal levels of glucose, bilirubin, and other analytes.

By undergoing routine urinalysis and urine chemistry testing, women can be proactive about their health, detect potential issues early, and work with healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans. These tests contribute significantly to the overall well-being and quality of life for women of all ages.