Diseases That Can Be Diagnosed With A Urine Test

Ever wondered why medical professionals want a urine sample? What is the need for urine collection? Well, it is the simplest way to evaluate your bodily health condition. Regardless of how many times you are asked to do it, knowing the basics of it is essential. A urine test, also known as urinalysis, examines the microscopic, chemical and physical elements of one's urine. 

Healthcare professionals commonly utilize it to determine different diseases and based on a patient's symptoms, the tests can vary. However, the question is- Which diseases can a urine test detect? What is the purpose behind a urine test? How to prepare yourself before this test? Well, here is everything you need to know. 

What is the Purpose Behind a Urine Test? 

If you are asked for your urine collection by your healthcare professional, it can be due to many reasons. Some include:

• It can be recommended to check your general health such as pregnancy check-up or pre-surgery preparation. It can also be used to detect several diseases.

• Another purpose behind a urine test might be to detect the cause of a disease. This can be done in cases when you are facing urine issues, back pain, painful urination or blood in the urine. 

• For instance, urine with a dark brown tint may indicate issues with liver or renal. While cloudy urine could indicate diabetic kidney disease or stones. Urine with blood could indicate stones or malignancy issues. 

• If diagnosed with a medical condition, you may be asked to do a routine urine test. The purpose behind it is to keep track of your health condition and treatment. 

Diseases that a Urine Test Can Detect 

Almost every woman has used a urine pregnancy test device to check their status. However, when it comes to urine tests, can help detect more than just pregnancy. Yes, there are many other uses of urinalysis. Here are some diseases that can be detected or diagnosed with a urine test:

1. Kidney Function 

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are highly prone to developing microalbuminuria. This condition is marked by high levels of albumin in the urine. For proper functioning of the kidneys, microalbuminuria must be within limits. 

The presence of blood or protein for three months or longer in urine indicates kidney disease. Therefore, to check this, a urine test may be recommended by your healthcare professional. To confirm the abnormal urinalysis results, the healthcare professional might recommend you repeat your urine test.  

2. UTI or Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are extremely common and are a concern for both men and women. It is another disease that can be detected with a urine test. It is a crucial test and the first step is to check the UTI symptoms, which are:

• Painful urination

• Strong-smelling urine

• Blood

• Burning with urination 

3. High Blood Pressure 

Urine testing can also be performed to test high blood pressure. By testing catecholamines in urine, doctors can find out the cause such as normetanephrine or metanephrine. A urine sample may also contain markers such as sodium to potassium ratio, that may indicate conditions like high blood pressure. 

4. Diabetes 

In normal urine, there is little or no glucose present. However, when glucose is found in a urine sample it indicates an abnormal finding has occurred called glucosuria. This indicates that you have diabetes and to identify it, a urine sample collection is required. 

5. Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Another reason why your healthcare specialist would ask for urine sample collection is to diagnose and screen cancer. It can identify cancer in the body early on and can detect kidney, ureter and bladder cancers. Blood in the urine is a huge sign of urinary tract infections, kidney stones and cancer in rare cases. 

6. Sexually Transmitted Diseases 

A routine urine test can detect the presence of organisms that cause STIs. This can be trichomoniasis or any sexually transmitted infection. Remember, a pee in the cup plays a crucial role in your health. 

How to Get Ready for a Urine Test?

Is it your first time for a urine test? Looking for urine collection containers already? Well, before your urinalysis test, make sure you've adequate liquids, like water. Depending on your test, you may also be asked to fast before the test. In some cases, you may also be asked to avoid taking certain medications for 24 hours before urine collection. 

Remember, to consult your doctor before deciding on stopping or changing any medications. You may be asked for the first urine sample of the day for analysis. Before your urine sample is taken, you must inform your healthcare professional if you are on your period. It is important as menstrual blood or vaginal discharge may affect the results of certain urinalysis tests. 

How Does the Urine Collection Procedure Work?

Wondering how urine sample collection is done? Well, on the first day, urinate in a toilet as soon as you get out of bed and get rid of the first sample. You must then collect urine from the following 24 hours into a different container. 

On the second day, follow the same procedure as the day first. Once done, bring the container to the lab as soon as possible. Remember, to wash your hands thoroughly once you've collected the sample. To not get confused, you can also use a printed label urine container. 

One Destination for All Your Healthcare Needs

At MedGuard, we understand how major diseases occur with no proper tests. Keeping this and patients’ safety in mind, we offer a wide range of medical products from urine test strips to urine containers. Our range of urine collection products is designed for individuals, hospitals, clinics and healthcare systems. 

You can rest assured you'll receive high-quality products since they undergo rigorous testing. We promise to meet the highest standards of hygiene and safety. Besides, you can also rely on us for prompt delivery. Whether you are a healthcare professional or an individual, you can seek personalized guidance from our experts.