What does a Urinalysis measure? Urinalysis typically involves three parts: Visual examination: Looking at the urine's color, clarity (clear or cloudy), and odor. Chemical examination (urine dipstick): Using a dipstick with chemical pads that react to different substances in the urine, checking for: pH: Acidity or alkalinity of the urine. Specific gravity: Concentration of particles in the urine. Protein: Can indicate kidney problems. Glucose: Can indicate diabetes. Ketones: Can indicate diabetes or starvation. Bilirubin: Can indicate liver problems. Blood (red blood cells or hemoglobin): Can indicate kidney stones, infection, or other problems. Leukocyte esterase: An enzyme produced by white blood cells, which can indicate infection. Nitrites: Can indicate a bacterial infection. Microscopic examination: Examining the urine under a microscope to look for: Red blood cells White blood cells Bacteria Crystals Casts (cylindrical structures formed in the kidney tubules) Why is a Urinalysis performed? Doctors use urinalysis to: Detect urinary tract infections (UTIs). Evaluate kidney function. Screen for diabetes. Detect liver disease. Screen for other metabolic disorders.