UrinalysisNo Fasting RequiredTurnaround: 2–4 hours (same day)

Urine Routine & Microscopic Examination (Urine R/M)

Also known as: Complete Urinalysis, Urine Analysis, Urine Microscopy, Routine Urine Test

Parameters Measured in the Report

A breakdown of individual biomarkers and biological reference intervals typically found in your report:

Biomarker	Standard Range	Unit	What It Means
Specific Gravity (Urine SG)	1.005–1.030	ratio	Reflects kidney concentrating ability and patient hydration status.
Urine pH (Acidity)	4.5–8.0 (Average ~6.0)	pH	Acid-base balance of urine; influences kidney stone crystal precipitation.
Urine Protein (Albuminuria)	Negative (Nil)	mg/dL (dipstick)	Healthy glomeruli prevent proteins from leaking into urine; positive indicates barrier damage.
Urine Glucose (Glycosuria)	Negative (Nil)	mg/dL	Glucose appears in urine only when blood sugar exceeds the renal threshold (~180 mg/dL).
Leukocyte Esterase & Nitrite (Infection Screen)	Negative	dipstick	Enzyme produced by white blood cells and bacterial nitrite conversion; indicates bacterial UTI.
Pus Cells / WBCs (Microscopy) (Pyuria)	0–5	cells/HPF (High Power Field)	Immune cells in urine; elevated counts indicate inflammation or active infection in urinary tract.
Red Blood Cells (Microscopy) (Microscopic Hematuria)	0–2	cells/HPF	Microscopic blood in urine; can indicate stones, infection, trauma, or glomerular nephritis.
Epithelial Cells (Squamous Cells)	Few / Occasional	/HPF	Cells lining the lower urethra; abundant squamous cells signify sample contamination from skin.

* Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly between testing instruments and reagent kits. Always refer to the reference interval printed on your specific pathology report.

Clinical Focus

Physical properties (color, clarity, specific gravity), chemical dipstick (protein, glucose, nitrites), and microscopic sediment.

Sample & Specimen

Midstream clean-catch urine specimen

Fasting Protocol

No fasting required. First morning urine specimen is preferred for optimal concentration.

Turnaround Time

2–4 hours (same day)

What Is This Test?

A Urine Routine & Microscopic Examination is one of the oldest and most clinically rich diagnostic tests in medicine. Urine is the liquid byproduct generated by kidney filtration of the blood; analyzing its physical, chemical, and cellular makeup provides valuable clues not only about the kidneys and urinary tract, but also about systemic metabolic health. A complete urinalysis involves three sequential stages: gross physical examination (color, turbidity), chemical reagent strip testing (pH, glucose, protein, leukocyte esterase, nitrites), and centrifuged sediment microscopic evaluation for cells, crystals, and bacteria.

Why Did Your Doctor Order This Test?

Physicians routinely prescribe the Urine R/M in the following clinical scenarios:

Investigating symptoms of urinary tract infection: dysuria (burning sensation), urgency, frequency, cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Flank pain, lower back discomfort, or suspected renal calculi (kidney stones)

Screening for early kidney damage via proteinuria in patients with hypertension or diabetes

Routine prenatal pregnancy checkups to monitor for preeclampsia (protein) and gestational diabetes (glucose)

How to Prepare Before Your Test

Fasting Requirement: No fasting required. First morning urine specimen is preferred for optimal concentration.

Use the sterile specimen cup provided by the laboratory; do not touch the inside of the cup or lid.
Provide a "Clean-Catch Midstream" sample: clean the external urethral area, begin urinating into the toilet for 2 seconds, then collect the middle stream.
First-morning urine is ideal because it is naturally concentrated and preserves cellular elements and bacteria.

Understanding Your Results

What higher or lower readings generally mean in clinical practice:

If Values Are Higher Than Normal

Positive nitrites, positive leukocyte esterase, and elevated pus cells (>5–10/HPF) strongly indicate a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) requiring clinical evaluation. Protein in urine (proteinuria) is an early marker of glomerular kidney disease or hypertensive nephropathy. Microscopic RBCs indicate stones, cystitis, or glomerulonephritis.

If Values Are Lower Than Normal

Very low specific gravity (<1.003) indicates excessive water intake or impaired kidney concentrating ability (diabetes insipidus). Urine elements are normally absent/negative in healthy states.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "clean-catch midstream" sample and why does it matter?

Clean-catch midstream means catching urine midway through urination after discarding the first few milliliters. The initial stream flushes away normal skin and urethral bacteria, ensuring the collected specimen reflects genuine bladder urine.

Related Laboratory Tests

Tests frequently prescribed together or used as follow-up investigations:

Urine Microalbumin / Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)

Microscopic leakage of albumin protein standardized against urine creatinine excretion.

Kidney Function Test (KFT / RFT / Renal Panel)

Serum Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), eGFR (filtration rate), Uric Acid, and Electrolytes.

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) & PPBS

Immediate concentration of glucose in the bloodstream after an overnight fast and post-meal.

Medical & Diagnostic Disclaimer

This guide is published for educational and patient informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or clinical advice.

A laboratory result that falls slightly outside standard statistical reference intervals does not automatically indicate disease; conversely, a normal result does not guarantee the absence of medical conditions. Only your attending physician can interpret lab findings in the context of your medical history, physical exam, and symptoms.