Interpretation of the Urinalysis and Urine Microscopy

Urinalyses are valuable tests that provide insight into conditions that involve the kidney and urinary tract. This paper will review urinalysis, including specimen collection, preparation, properties of dipstick reagent strips, and urine microscopy. While they are seemingly easy to perform, the specific nuances of their collection and storage coupled with the subtleties that underlie their interpretation can make diagnosis of some conditions difficult. As the use of urinalysis becomes more commonplace, including in-office microscopes, knowledge and experience is required for adequate interpretation of both urinalysis and for assessment of relevant components of urine microscopy. There have been advancements and ongoing clinical trials ranging from evaluation of urine biomarkers as an important diagnostic and prognostic tool to the incorporation of artificial intelligence into urinalysis. Urinalysis plays a pivotal role in detection of kidney and urinary tract pathology. For many clinics and laboratories, urine dipstick reagent strips are the simplest way to analyze urine samples. However, this test requires interpretation to reach a diagnosis, begin treatment, or initiate an appropriate referral. Having a comprehensive knowledge of the key features of urinalysis can play a crucial role in evaluation and management of renal disorders in children.