Urinalysis w/Microscope

Urinalysis is a laboratory test used to detect substances in the urine. It is often used prior to surgery, as a screening during a pregnancy checkup, or as part of a routine physical exam.¹ 

The test looks at samples of your urine to see cells from the urinary tract, locate bacteria, identify byproducts of normal and abnormal metabolism, and to check appearance, concentration and content of the urine. 

A complete urinalysis often consists of three testing phases:

• Visual examination evaluates the urine’s color and clarity.
• Chemical examination evaluates overall health, disease, and the concentration of the urine.
• Microscopic examination identifies cells, crystals, casts, and other components such as bacteria and mucus that can be present in urine. 

A microscopic examination is typically performed if there is an abnormal finding on the visual or chemical test.²

Your physician may ask for a urinalysis if you have certain conditions like:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Urinary tract infection

Urinalysis may also be ordered if you experience certain symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Blood in your urine
• Painful urination ³

Other tests like drug screening and pregnancy testing may also require a urine sample, but these tests look for other substances not included in a typical urinalysis. Drug screenings detect evidence of specific drugs and a pregnancy test measures a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).⁴

Ensure your physician knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking. You should be able to eat and drink normally before the test, unless your doctor indicates otherwise. If other tests are being conducted at the same time, you may be asked to fast prior to your appointment. ^5,6

Your physician's office or lab usually provides the container to collect the urine sample. Depending on your situation, your sample may be collected at home or during your office visit. It will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.⁷

After the test is completed, make an appointment with your physician to review the findings and possible treatment. Further testing may be required if the results appear to be abnormal.⁸

Many health insurance plans do have urinalysis coverage. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover the test. If you have to pay out of pocket, the price range of a urinalysis in the MDsave network is updated in real time at the top of this page.  

1,2,4,6 Mayo Clinic. Urinalysis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/about/pac-20384907 

3,5,7,8 Healthline. Urinalysis. https://www.healthline.com/health/urinalysis