What is this test?
Chemical urinalysis checks properties such as pH and concentration and may screen for protein, glucose, ketones, blood, nitrite, leukocyte esterase and other markers, depending on the analyser.
Why might it be ordered?
- To investigate urinary symptoms or screen for kidney and metabolic changes.
- To monitor pregnancy, diabetes or another condition when requested.
What sample is needed?
A fresh, clean-catch midstream urine sample is commonly preferred. Use the laboratory-approved container.
How should you prepare?
Avoid contamination, close the container promptly and deliver it within the time specified by the laboratory. Mention menstruation, vigorous exercise and medicines that may colour urine.
How should you understand the result?
Screening-strip reactions can be false positive or false negative. An unexpected finding may need sediment microscopy, culture or a quantitative test.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.