Checking the urine for blood can give early indicators of renal disease, or other more serious diseases affecting major organs in the body, says Dr. Pea. Also, the test can reveal potentially harmful combinations of proteins and blood in the urine or elevated glucose levels, an early indicator of diabetes. Early intervention is key to preserving kidney function and possibly staving off future complications, he explains. Dr. Pea says children involved in school athletics get more routine physicals than other children, but in general, parents should have urine tests performed every one to two years as part of regular physical examinations. Should a potentially serious problem arise, Dr. Pea and his team are fully prepared to diagnose and treat kidney abnormalities. Check out the checklist our pediatric specialists have put together for your back-to-school preparations.