Urine tests can reveal a wealth of information about kidney and urinary tract health, from blood filtration and excretion to signs of inflammation, infection, or structural damage, according to Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, a nephrologist and urologist at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi.
By identifying abnormalities like protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, nitrites, sugar, or ketones in the urine, doctors can pinpoint the cause, determine the extent of the damage, and recommend further testing and appropriate treatment. This allows patients to preserve kidney function and reduce the risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. Dr. Tan notes that seeking treatment only after symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or urinary problems arise often leads to more complex, costly treatment with a lower chance of recovery.
| Indicator | Meaning | Normal | Abnormal |
| LEU (Leukocytes) | White blood cells in urine, suggesting a urinary tract infection | Negative or 10-25 cells/µL | > 25 cells/µL |
| NIT (Nitrite) | Some bacteria convert nitrate to nitrite. A positive NIT may indicate a urinary tract infection. | Negative | > 0.05–0.1 mg/dL (positive) |
| BLD (Blood) | Normally no or very little blood in urine. High levels may indicate infection, damage to the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, or menstruation in women. | Negative or < 5 cells/µL | > 5 cells/µL |
| BIL (Bilirubin) | Orange-yellow pigment from broken-down red blood cells. Normally very low. High levels suggest liver or gallbladder disease. | Negative or 0.4-0.8 mg/dL | > 1.0 mg/dL |
| UBG (Urobilinogen) | Very little is present in urine. Elevated levels may be related to cirrhosis, hepatitis, or biliary obstruction. | Negative or 0.2-1.0 mg/dL | > 1.0 mg/dL |
| PRO (Protein) | Normally absent. High levels suggest possible kidney disease, infection, diabetes, preeclampsia, etc. | Negative or < 0.1 g/L | > 0.1 g/L |
| pH | Normally 4.6-8. Abnormal changes may be due to urinary tract infections, kidney failure, diabetes, or dehydration. | 4.6-8.0 | > 8.0 |
| SG (Specific Gravity) | Measures the concentration of urine. Increases in diabetes, decreases in kidney failure, diabetes insipidus. | 1.005-1.030 | Lower or higher than the limit |
| KET (Ketone) | Normally absent. Positive when the body burns fat for energy, common in uncontrolled diabetes, prolonged fasting, alcoholism. | Negative | > 5 mg/dL |
| GLU (Glucose) | Normally absent or very low. High levels suggest diabetes, kidney disease, or pancreatitis. | Negative or very low | > 100 mg/dL |
Dr. Tan emphasizes the importance of the urine protein level. Protein plays essential roles, such as supporting muscle and bone development, regulating plasma osmotic pressure, fighting infections, and repairing tissues. Normally, healthy kidneys filter out excess fluids and waste products from the blood without leaking protein or essential nutrients. When the kidneys are damaged, proteinuria occurs. This is one of the first signs of chronic kidney disease, especially in people with underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
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Dr. Ngoc Tan examines and advises a patient. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital |
Dr. Ngoc Tan examines and advises a patient. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital
For accurate test results, Dr. Tan recommends collecting a urine sample in the morning, after waking up, as the concentration of substances is most stable then. Before collecting the sample, clean the external genitalia to prevent bacteria or secretions from contaminating the sample. Collect the mid-stream urine in a sterile container, without touching the rim of the container. Avoid eating dark-colored foods like beets or raspberries, or taking medications that color the urine before the test. Inform your doctor if you are currently taking any medications or supplements to avoid affecting the results.
Thu Giang
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