The tests commonly include either automated or manual tests for urinary bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrates, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen.
Microscopic analysis is performed to identify and quantitate cellular elements and cast forms.
Urinalysis is commonly performed for routine screening. Monitoring by urinalyses to exclude drug toxicity, such as in parenteral gold treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, is a covered indication at appropriate intervals. The examination of the chemical and physical components of urine is useful in measuring many kidney functions such as acid-base balance, electrolyte regulation, and elimination of the products of metabolism. A number of systemic diseases such as diabetes and vasculitis are manifest in renal disease. A yearly urinalysis including albumin detection, for instance, is a recommended part of diabetes management.