Urinalysis is a diagnostic physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of a urine sample (specimen). Specimens can be obtained by normal emptying of the bladder (voiding) or by a hospital procedure called catheterization.

Urinalyses are performed for several reasons:

• General evaluation of health.
• Diagnosis of metabolic or systemic diseases that affect kidney function.
• Diagnosis of endocrine disorders. Twenty-four-hour urine studies are often ordered for these tests.
• Diagnosis of diseases or disorders of the kidneys or urinary tract.
• Monitoring of patients with diabetes.
• Testing for pregnancy.
• Screening for drug abuse.

Urinalysis should not be performed while a woman is menstruating or having a vaginal discharge. A woman who must have a urinalysis while she has a vaginal discharge or is having her period should insert a fresh tampon before beginning the test. She should also hold a piece of clean material over the entrance to her vagina to avoid contaminating...