Urine is a fluid through which harmful substances in the body are expelled as a result of processes carried out by the excretory system organs. In addition to harmful substances, urine also removes excess materials from the body, playing an important physiological role in maintaining human life and health.
Urine consists of various components. Containing 95% water, urine includes urea, sodium, chloride, potassium, creatinine, and ammonia solutes. On the other hand, essential substances for the body, such as glucose and protein, are not present in urine under normal circumstances unless there is a disease.
Urine, which plays a role in maintaining the body’s balance, is generally acidic. Its pH value can vary between 4.7 and 8.4 depending on the food and drinks consumed during the day. The normal amount of urine excreted in a day is measured to be between 1.5 and 2 liters, and it may be expelled 4 to 8 times a day.
Urine varies in quantity and characteristics among infants, children, and adults and is considered one of the primary products of metabolism from birth to death. Produced in the kidneys and stored in the bladder, urine affects the body in various ways.
The frequency, content, appearance, and smell of urine can provide a great deal of information about a person’s health. In cases of disease or suspicion of disease, urine tests are often requested by doctors due to their cost-effectiveness and rapid results.
Urine tests are among the methods frequently used to diagnose various diseases. Collecting 100 ml of urine in a sterile container provided to the patient and performing routine procedures are the main elements of a urine test. The urine sample is sent to the laboratory with its sterility preserved by tightly sealing the container. It is then subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examinations.
The collection and storage of the urine sample are critical. The best urine sample is fresh and concentrated. The most preferred sample for tests is the one collected in the early morning on an empty stomach, allowing for the most accurate information about various parameters.
Urine analysis should ideally be performed immediately. It is recommended to store the sample at room temperature for no more than two hours or in the refrigerator for up to four hours. Samples not tested promptly can lead to misleading results and undetected diseases.
The urine sample for testing should be stored in containers with specific characteristics. Urine containers with at least a 50 ml capacity and a 4 cm opening are ideal for tests. The container should be sealed tightly to prevent contamination from external factors. To protect both healthcare workers and the sample from exposure, leak-proof containers must be used.
In addition to urine containers, vacuum-sealed or screw-capped urine tubes and urine transfer sticks are also preferred. Labels on these containers include important information such as the patient’s name, surname, and medications used, preventing test mix-ups.
The volume of urine collected for testing is crucial. At least 12 ml of urine is required for analysis. For infants, 5 ml or less is sufficient for the test.
Urine tests should be conducted in hospitals or clinics by knowledgeable individuals who explain the details to the patient carefully. At Viromed Laboratories, we provide assistance with a clean environment and expert staff for your urine tests.
Urine tests involve evaluating the physical and chemical properties of urine based on various parameters. These parameters are instrumental in examining normal and abnormal health conditions.
The color of normal urine varies from light to dark. The type and amount of pigments in it can create differences in urine color. Urine color can vary throughout the day.
The clarity of urine indicates its cleanliness. A healthy person’s urine should appear clear and have a neutral odor. Consumed products can slightly change its appearance and odor.
Urine typically has a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5, but values ranging from 4.5 to 8 are also considered normal. This pH can be easily measured with litmus paper.
Specific gravity is the comparison of dissolved substances in urine to pure water. The specific gravity of normal urine ranges between 1.010–1.030 g/cm³. A urinometer can be used to measure specific gravity.
Measuring protein in urine is one of the most critical aspects of a urine test. Healthy urine either does not contain protein or contains it in very small amounts. Thus, an increase in protein levels in urine plays a significant role in diagnosing potential diseases.
Like protein, glucose is another substance that should not be present in urine. Detecting glucose in urine may indicate a deterioration in a person’s health.
Urine is a mixture of various living and non-living substances. Under normal conditions, cells like leukocytes and erythrocytes, which play an active role in the body, should either not be present or exist in very small amounts in urine. If a significant number of cells are present, it may indicate an abnormal health condition.
Problems related to the functions of urine and the urinary tract can be the main cause of various diseases. These diseases can be classified as follows based on symptoms, processes, and treatment approaches.
UTI refers to inflammatory conditions occurring at different levels of the urinary tract. While it is commonly a problem of the lower urinary tract, upper urinary tract infections can also occur. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria.
UTIs can be identified through symptoms such as frequent urination and a burning sensation during urination. Weak urine flow, incontinence, blood in the urine, and pain in the lower abdomen are other common symptoms experienced by patients.
If a person has a UTI, several measures can prevent the infection from progressing. Consuming at least 2 liters of water daily is crucial for cleaning the bladder and protecting it from bacterial and fungal infections.
Products that can irritate the bladder, such as coffee, alcohol, and lemon juice, should be consumed sparingly or avoided altogether.
With timely intervention, UTIs can be easily treated without causing permanent damage. Approximately 30% of simple infections resolve on their own without any lasting effects. However, if the kidneys are also affected and treatment is delayed, permanent damage may occur.
The ureter is the channel that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, and small stones lodged here are called ureter stones. Patients with ureter stones often experience complaints such as pain, nausea, and vomiting. Bleeding detected in urine tests plays a significant role in diagnosing this condition.
If there is no narrowing or external pressure where the ureter stone is located, the stone may pass on its own. Stones that do not pass can be easily removed using lithotripsy.
Inflammation of the urethra is called urethritis. Unlike other infections, it can be transmitted sexually. Itching in the urethra is a common symptom among patients. Urethritis is caused by microorganisms, and treatments include medications such as tetracycline, erythromycin, or doxycycline.
One of the main causes of impaired urine flow and the formation of ureter stones is ureteral stricture. Ureteral stricture can also disrupt kidney functions, leading to more severe problems. Treatment options include closed or laparoscopic surgeries such as endoscopic balloon dilation.
Urethral stones are another urinary tract-related condition that usually occurs when stones from the bladder or kidney block the urethra. Urethral narrowing, anatomical deformities caused by foreign objects, and damage from UTIs are among the causes of urethral stones. Treatments include analgesic gels or endoscopic methods.
Urine tests performed at Viromed Laboratories can help detect various urinary tract diseases like those listed above and assist your specialist doctor in creating a treatment plan. Reliable results can help you recover your health quickly.
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