A urine test (urinalysis) is one of the simplest and most useful tests for urinary tract and kidney conditions. It helps detect infection, blood, stones, some kidney diseases and diabetes.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
What the test includes
- Visual check: colour and clarity.
- Chemical check: acidity, concentration, protein, sugar, ketones, blood, nitrites and white-cell enzyme.
- Microscopy: white cells (pus cells), red cells, bacteria, crystals and casts.
What common results mean
- Pus cells and nitrites: may indicate a urinary infection.
- Red blood cells: may indicate infection, a stone or other causes that need assessment; see blood in urine.
- Crystals: may be linked to stone formation.
- Protein or sugar: may indicate kidney disease or diabetes.
Urine culture
A culture is requested when infection is suspected, especially if it keeps coming back or in men, to identify the bacteria and the antibiotic they respond to. The sample is best taken before starting antibiotics.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
How do I give a urine sample correctly?
Wash your hands and genital area with water, start passing urine into the toilet, collect the middle part of the stream in the sterile container, and hand it to the laboratory as soon as possible.
What is the difference between urinalysis and urine culture?
Urinalysis checks the properties of urine and for blood, pus cells, protein, sugar and more; a culture identifies the bacteria and the antibiotic that works against them.
Do pus cells in urine always mean infection?
They usually suggest infection, but can also appear with stones or a contaminated sample, so the doctor interprets them with the symptoms and culture result.
Discuss your result with a doctor
Book a consultation with Prof. Al-Samarrai or Dr. Amer Mousa to review your result and plan the next step.
This information is for health education; results should be interpreted with your doctor. See our medical content policy.