Urine analysis is a critical medical test that helps determine the state of your general health. This test utilizes samples of your urine to identify several health indicators such as kidney function, hydration levels, and urinary tract infections.
The test results can provide helpful insight into your health status, and guide your doctor in diagnosing and treating any underlying health conditions. Here are five health indicators that you should know when it comes to urine analysis:.
1. Presence of White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)
The presence of white blood cells or leukocytes in your urine may indicate that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney disease. Your kidneys and urinary tract typically filter out bacteria from your bloodstream.
However, when the number of bacteria exceeds the body’s capacity to eliminate them, they can cause a UTI.
2. Presence of Nitrites
Nitrites are not typically found in normal urine samples. The presence of nitrites in your urine may indicate a bacterial infection in your urinary tract.
Nitrite is a waste product of bacterial metabolism in the body, and its presence in your urine can suggest a possible urinary tract infection or any other bacterial infection, which may require antibiotic treatment to address.
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3. pH Levels
The pH of your urine is a measure of how acidic or alkaline it is. Normal pH levels in urine typically range between 4.6 to 8.0, with an average of 6.0.
Changes in pH levels may indicate various health conditions, including kidney stones or urinary tract infections. If your urine is too acidic (less than 4.6), it can increase your risk of developing kidney stones, It is essential to ensure you maintain a healthy pH level in your urine.
4. Specific Gravity
The specific gravity of your urine measures the amount of dissolved solutes, including salts, in your urine. The specific gravity value is an indicator of your hydration levels and kidney function.
High values may indicate that you are dehydrated, while lower values suggest overhydration. Besides this, a high specific gravity may indicate a kidney problem, such as diabetes, kidney failure, or renal obstruction.
5. Protein Levels
Protein is another crucial indicator that urine analysis measures.
Low levels of protein in your urine are normal, while high amounts may suggest that your kidneys are not functioning correctly, which could be due to kidney damage, diabetes, or hypertension.
