Urinalysis / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Test

The color and appearance of a normal urine sample should be clear and straw yellow. The presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, crystals, or bacteria may result in discoloration. Cloudy or milky urine suggests a urinary tract infection, which may also have an unpleasant odor.

This test compares the density of urine to the density of water. Specific gravity measures the concentration of particles in the urine and hydration status. Elevated levels of glucose, proteins, and red or white blood cells in the urine may indicate a high specific gravity.

An enzyme found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. Elevated ALP can indicate bile duct obstruction, liver disease, or bone disorders. It's normally higher in children and during pregnancy due to bone growth.

Blood sugar — the body's primary energy source. Fasting glucose screens for diabetes and prediabetes. Chronically elevated glucose damages blood vessels and organs. Levels fluctuate with meals, stress, and physical activity.

Bilirubin is a substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. High levels can lead to jaundice and indicate liver or bile duct problems.

Your body uses glucose for energy, and if your cells do not receive enough glucose, your body will burn fat instead. This process results in the formation of ketones. Elevated ketone levels in the urine may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes. Infections can increase the risk of ketoacidosis in patients with diabetes. Ketones may also be detected in the urine of those following a ketogenic diet.

Measures the number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Abnormal levels can indicate anemia, dehydration, or bone marrow disorders.

A highly sensitive test for low-grade chronic inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease risk. Lower hs-CRP values are associated with better cardiovascular outcomes.

Nitrates and nitrites are both nitrogen compounds. When bacteria enter the urinary tract, they can convert nitrates to nitrites. Nitrates are found in regular urine; however, nitrites in urine may indicate a urinary tract infection.

Leukocytes (WBCs) are white blood cells that are part of the immune system. High levels can indicate infection, inflammation, or other immune responses.

Measures the total number of white blood cells, your body's primary defense against infection. Elevated levels may indicate infection, inflammation, or immune disorders, while low levels can signal bone marrow problems or autoimmune conditions.

Presence may indicate infection, inflammation, or hemorrhage.

A few epithelial cells may be considered normal, as they can be shed during the natural process of cell turnover and sloughing off of the urinary tract lining. However, an excess or abnormal type of epithelial cells in the urine may indicate an underlying condition or issue.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiota. Symptoms include foul-smelling discharge, itching, burning, and discomfort during sex.

An enzyme found in the liver, heart, and muscles. While less liver-specific than ALT, elevated AST can indicate liver damage, heart attack, or muscle injury. The AST/ALT ratio helps distinguish between different liver conditions.

Crystals found in the urinary sediment during microscopic examination indicate kidney stone formation is imminent, if not already present. Crystals do not produce symptoms on their own, only when they crystallize into stones. The crystal type detected varies with the associated health condition and the pH of the urine. When the specific gravity of the urine is high, small amounts of crystalline particles may be visible.

Imbalances in gut pH influence short-chain fatty acid production and their effects.