Urinalysis Review

Break down urinalysis; health education is needed. What does urinalysis mean? 

Urinalysis is an important screening tool used by primary care physicians (PCPs) and kidney specialists (nephrologists) to assess overall kidney health and the function of the urinary system. Most laboratories will run a series of tests on this single sample. However, it is crucial to understand that the urinalysis is not a stand-alone test. Here are important factors to consider with this test:

• Patient history

• Patient physical exam

• Other lab tests, such as the patient's blood creatinine level

Why is protein an important factor in urinalysis testing? 

The presence of trace to 4+ proteinuria through urinalysis necessitates further evaluation by your doctor to determine the exact amount of protein being lost in your urine and additional tests to uncover the underlying cause. This could be an early indicator of kidney disease. Another significant finding from urinalysis is the presence or absence of blood or red blood cells (RBCs). The presence of RBCs should be thoroughly assessed by your doctor, as it could indicate urinary tract cancer, an infection, or the initial signs of a serious kidney problem. However, the urinalysis can reveal even more. In the context of urinary tract symptoms, the urinalysis is invaluable for diagnosing a urinary tract infection. Above all, it is essential for your doctor to review the urinalysis results with you, as many findings require additional studies for verification. Thus, careful scrutiny must be applied by an experienced physician. The urinalysis is a key tool in diagnosing kidney problems, and this discussion only scratches the surface.

How can PCPs and nephrologists educate the average person on the importance of urinalysis? 

The easiest way for both PCPs and nephrologists to promote health education is to sit down and explain the results of these tests to their patients. Another effective method is to be active in their communities and volunteer to speak at health fairs about the importance of urinalysis, especially in detecting proteinuria and hematuria. I also encourage PCPs and nephrologists to engage on social media and other platforms to discuss the significance of screening for kidney health.

What questions should patients or attendees at health fairs ask healthcare advisers? 

They should inquire about their blood pressure results and chemistry panel results, including their creatinine level, which is a vital marker of kidney function. Additionally, they should carefully review their urinalysis results. For those with known kidney disease, it’s crucial to evaluate each medication to ensure proper dosing and safety, as many medications are processed by the kidneys. This review is essential to prevent toxicity. Early detection of kidney problems allows patients to focus on a healthier lifestyle and address other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, that can affect kidney health.

What goals are you pursuing with KIDNEYcon? 

My goal is to raise awareness about the significant impact kidney disease has on overall health. While my focus has primarily been directed toward healthcare professionals, I am also committed to ensuring that patients and the general population are educated about the importance of kidney health in overall well-being.

Visit Matthew Sparks, M.D.

Website: KIDNEYcon

Twitter: @Nephro_Sparks