MetabolicInternal Medicine

Complete Urine Examination

Normal Range
Clear, Straw-colored, Negative for Protein/Glucose/Nitrites
Sample Type
Urine
Fasting
No
Unit
Index/Qualitative

Function

The Complete Urine Examination (CUE), also known as Urinalysis, is a fundamental diagnostic tool that provides a snapshot of the body's metabolic state and renal health. It consists of three phases: physical examination (color, clarity), chemical screening (using reagent strips for pH, protein, glucose, etc.), and microscopic sediment analysis (looking for cells, casts, and crystals).

Why it is Ordered

CUE is a versatile test used for:

  • Routine Screening: Part of general physical exams to detect early signs of kidney or liver disease.
  • UTI Diagnosis: Identifying bacteria, leukocyte esterase, and nitrites.
  • Metabolic Monitoring: Detecting glycosuria (glucose in urine) in diabetics or ketonuria (ketones) in metabolic distress.
  • Renal Health: Monitoring for proteinuria which signals damage to the kidney's filtration system.
  • Symptom Investigation: Evaluating abdominal pain, back pain, or painful urination.

Associated Conditions

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Indicated by white blood cells and bacteria.
  • Kidney Stones: Suggested by the presence of specific crystals (e.g., calcium oxalate).
  • Diabetes Mellitus: Suggested by glucose and ketones in the urine.
  • Liver Disease: Indicated by the presence of bilirubin or urobilinogen.

Panel Components

This test is a profile comprising the following specific markers:

Epithelial Cells
/hpf
Crystals
n/a
Color
n/a
Specific Gravity
ratio
White Blood Cells (Microscopic)
/hpf
Ketones (Urine)
mg/dL
Nitrite
n/a
Red Blood Cells (Microscopic)
/hpf
pH
n/a
Protein (Urine)
mg/dL
Casts
/lpf
Appearance
Qualitative
Glucose
mg/dL
Leukocyte Esterase
n/a
Urobilinogen
mg/dL
Bilirubin (Urine)
mg/dL
Blood (Hemoglobin)
n/a

Why Context Matters

Urinalysis results are extremely susceptible to contamination. If a 'clean catch' midstream technique is not used, skin bacteria and vaginal discharge can produce false-positive results for infection. Furthermore, urine left at room temperature for more than an hour can lead to bacterial overgrowth and the breakdown of casts/cells. Consumption of certain foods (like beets) or medications (like phenazopyridine) can change urine color and interfere with chemical reagents.

Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.

Clinical References

Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Complete Urine Examination:

Research & Guidelines

Related Indicators

Lipid Profile

View Range

Urine Bicarbonate

View Range

Albumin

View Range
DR

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS

Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience

Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.

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