Urinalysis: what it shows and how to collect your sample

A urinalysis is one of the simplest and most useful tests you can have at our Valenzuela branches. A small cup of urine can show signs of infection, kidney trouble and diabetes.

What it checks

• Infection. White blood cells, bacteria or nitrites can point to a urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Kidney health. Protein or blood in the urine can be an early kidney warning.
• Sugar. Sugar in the urine can be a sign of diabetes.
• Hydration and more. Color, clarity and concentration also tell your doctor something.

How to collect a clean sample

A sample mixed with skin bacteria can look like an infection when there is none. This is how to avoid that.

• Wash your hands.
• Clean the area with water or the wipe provided.
• Start urinating into the toilet.
• Without stopping, catch the middle part of the stream in the container.
• Finish in the toilet, close the lid tightly and hand the container to our staff.

The first urine of the morning is the most concentrated and gives the clearest result. If you collect at home, bring the sample to us within an hour or two.

What can affect the result

• Your period. Blood can mix with the sample. Tell our staff, or wait until it is over.
• Drinking too much water right before. It dilutes the sample.
• Vitamin C and some medicines. Tell us what you are taking.
• Hard exercise just before the test.

Results

Urinalysis results at Sunrise are usually released the same day. Your doctor will explain what they mean and whether you need treatment or another test.

Walk in to our Marulas branch, or call our Happy Go Mall branch first to check which tests are done there. See all our laboratory tests, or the urinalysis that comes with most check-ups and work medicals.

Tests mentioned in this article

• Urinalysis
• Fecalysis
• Kidney function (creatinine, BUN)

This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor.