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If you require a urinalysis for any reason, the FastMed Urgent Care professionals are here to help. We’re open 365 days and most of our clinics are open 7 days a week, including holidays, to perform simple lab tests such as this. We can provide the results you need, quickly and conveniently, all in one place.

If you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney disease, diabetes, or other disorder that may be detected by a urine test, see your FastMed Urgent Care team for an evaluation. No appointment is necessary, and you can check in online to shorten your wait.
urine

What is urinalysis?

Urinalysis, sometimes abbreviated as UA, is basically just what it sounds like, a urine analysis. After collecting a urine sample, our staff will use a urine test strip or dipstick test to analyze it for signs of abnormalities. A urine dipstick test strip contains up to ten different chemical pads, which can be examined to determine the presence of various illnesses or diseases.

In addition to the dipstick test, our lab technician will physically check the results by examining the color, appearance, odor, and content of the urine. A cloudy appearance, for example, may indicate signs of an infection. High levels of protein might indicate kidney disease or dehydration. Odor, if any, can be a sign of many different problems. Based on the findings, you may need to undergo further evaluation and testing to receive a definitive diagnosis.

What does a urine test show?

A urine sample test can show many different things. Urinalysis is used to check the components of your urine and can provide information on your overall health or pinpoint a potential medical problem.

As a byproduct of your kidneys, your urine contains the waste minerals, fluids, and other substances passed from the blood through the urine. Therefore, your UA test reflects what you eat, drink, and even how much your exercise—not to mention, how well your kidneys are working.

Based on the reason for your urinalysis, our clinical assistant will examine and report on the following:

Color: To look for fluid balance, any medicines, diet, and diseases.

Appearance: Normal urine should be clear. If the urine is cloudy, this indicates the presence of bacteria, blood, sperm, mucus, or crystals.

Odor: Most urine has little odor. Certain diseases or medical problems, such as E. coli, however, can change the odor, making it more pungent and unpleasant.

Specific Gravity: Used to check for substances concentrated in the urine, the specific gravity shows the amount of water you’re drinking.

pH: This measures how acidic or alkaline your urine is. The pH can be affected by medical treatments and may be monitored during treatment to prevent kidney stones.

Protein: Protein in the urine is abnormal. It may indicate pregnancy or a medical problem, such as kidney disease.

Glucose: When glucose, a type of sugar, is found in the urine, it may indicate high blood sugar, often a sign of uncontrolled diabetes.

Nitrites: These are breakdown products of bacteria and may indicate that a urinary tract infection (UTI) is present.

Microscopic analysis of red or white blood cells:  Any signs of blood cells in the urine can indicate an abnormality ranging from inflammation to disease, to a possible injury to the kidneys, bladder, ureter (tube from the kidneys to the bladder), or urethra (outflow tube from the bladder). White blood cells in the urine often indicate a UTI.

Additional components of microscopic analysis include checking for crystals, bacteria, yeast cells, casts (an indication of kidney disease), parasites, and/or squamous cells that may indicate an impure or contaminated urine sample.

Why is urinalysis important?

A test of the urine may be necessary for any number of reasons. UA tests are often required to check your overall health or to look for signs of a problem such as diabetes, kidney, or liver disease. A urine sample is also used to screen for pregnancy.

For those diagnosed with kidney disease or a urinary tract disease, urinalysis may be required to monitor the condition. Other uses for a urine test (UA) include screening for drugs, although this is not part of a routine urinalysis.

Where to get a urinalysis?

Your FastMed Urgent Care professionals are available for urinalysis and other simple lab tests seven days a week, including holidays. For those who live in North Carolina, Texas and Arizona, we’re probably right in the neighborhood.

No appointment is ever required. You can even check in online first to shorten your wait. Many tests are performed on site. In addition, your electronic medical records can be forwarded, with your permission, and proper privacy safeguards to your primary care provider or specialist.


* The content presented on this page is not intended to diagnose health problems or take the place of professional medical care.