Urine, Urine Analysis

Urine is a metabolic product that is formed when blood is filtered in the kidneys. The chemical composition of urine is very complex and contains more than 150 components, including water, metabolic products that the body does not need (urea, uric acid), minerals, dissolved salts and various toxic substances. Urine is usually a clear, light yellow liquid with a slight ammonia odor. The specific gravity of urine ranges from 1002-1030 and depends on the presence of dense substances in it. The daily amount of urine in an adult is about 1500 ml, and its reaction can be acidic or slightly acidic.

Urine can change its physicochemical properties under the influence of various external factors, such as temperature and humidity, physical activity and nutrition. For example, with excessive sweating or a dry diet, the urine has an intense yellow color and an increased specific gravity. Consumption of meat products, broths, legumes and eggs can lead to increased formation of uric acid salts and severe oxidation of urine. Eating dairy and vegetable products, on the contrary, causes an increase in the formation of phosphate salts and leads to alkalization of urine.

Changes in urine color can be caused by certain medications and foods. For example, urine turns red from beets and amidopyrine, bright yellow from quinacrine, biomycin and others. However, these changes in urine are temporary and after eliminating the factors causing them, the composition of urine and its physicochemical properties are restored.

Urine examination allows us to identify impaired renal function, as well as some changes in metabolism associated with damage to various organs. A conventional (clinical) urine test includes the study of physicochemical properties (color, odor, reaction, transparency, specific gravity) and the chemical composition of urine (determination of components uncharacteristic of normal urine, such as protein, bilirubin, sugar and others), as well as microscopic examination of sediment (the presence of blood cells - leukocytes and erythrocytes - and other cells).

For urine analysis, collect it in a clean glass container and seal it well. For clinical analysis, 100-200 ml of urine is given. Before donating urine, it is necessary to perform thorough hygiene of the genitals to avoid bacteria and other microorganisms getting into the urine. It is also important to consider the time of urine collection, since the morning portion of urine has a higher concentration of salts and other substances than the afternoon or evening urine.

Urine test results can be used to diagnose many diseases such as urinary tract infections, kidney failure, diabetes and others. In addition, a urine test may be performed to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and assess the condition of the body as a whole. If any abnormalities are detected in the composition or properties of urine, you must consult a doctor for additional examination and treatment.