Urinalysis is a test that evaluates a sample of urine. The urinalysis is used as a screening/or diagnostic tool because it can help detect substances or cellular material in the urine associated with different metabolic and kidney disorders. It is ordered widely and routinely to detect any abnormalities that require follow up. Often, substances such us protein or glucose will begin to appear in the urine before people are aware that they may have a problem. It is used to detect urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other disorders of the urinary tract. In those with acute or chronic conditions, such as kidney disease the urinalysis may be ordered at intervals as a rapid method to help monitor organ function, status, and response to …show more content…
In disease, a metabolic disorder, or ingested food or drug the color varies ranging from colorless, amber, orange, red, green-blue, brown, or black.(BRUNZEL, 2013)
FOAM
When a normal urine specimen is shaken or agitated sufficiently, a white foam develops at its surface that readily disappears on standing. The characteristics of urine foam are modified by the presence of protein and bilirubin. The presence of protein (albumin) in urine causes stable white foam to be produced when the urine is agitated. The foam that develops is thick and long lasting. When bilirubin is present in sufficient amounts, a yellow foam is produced.(BRUNZEL, 2013)
CLARITY
Clarity describes the overall visual appearance of a urine specimen. It describes the cloudiness of urine due to suspended particles that scatter light. A urine can be clear where all solutes present are soluble. It can be hazy or slightly cloudy where visible particles are present; newsprint can be read through urine tube. A urine can also be cloudy where there are Significant particles; newsprint is blurred or difficult to read thru tube. Finally a urine sample can be turbid describing saturation of suspended particles where a news print cannot be seen.(BRUNZEL,