The Complete Urinalysis
See the connection with the Minimum DataBase
A Complete Urinalysis provides essential information as part of the Minimum DataBase and plays a pivotal role in properly interpreting the results of the Complete Blood Count, Complete Chemistry and Complete Electrolytes. It reveals the connections between the results, providing a holistic view of organ systems.
A Complete Urinalysis let us assess the kidney health and the upper and lower urinary tracts, as well as multiple other body systems, some of which cannot be gained through other tests.
Three inseparable components
- Physical analysis: color, clarity, urine specific gravity (USG)
- Chemical analysis: urine pH, protein, glucose, ketones, urobilinogen, bilirubin, leukocytes and blood/hemoglobin
- Sediment analysis: cells, bacteria, casts, crystals and miscellaneous elements
It is important to run all three parts of the urinalysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health. The complete urinalysis provides a wealth of critical information regarding hydration status, kidney health, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, acid-base status, anemia, inflammation and hemolytic disease.
Why is the Complete Urinalysis an integral part of the Minimum DataBase?
A Complete Urinalysis is an essential part of the Minimum DataBase as it provides essential direct information about the upper and lower urinary tracts, as well as multiple other body systems, some of which cannot be gained through other tests. Examples given:
- critical information regarding kidney function: e.g. the urine specific gravity is more sensitive than creatinine for detecting renal function compromise
- critical information regarding characterization of hydration status of animal which influences interpretation of all hematology and chemistry findings
- Potentially more sensitive than chemistry profile for detecting underlying disease
Interpreting the Complete Urinalysis results
Below is a sample report showing the results of the Complete Urinalysis run with the IDEXX VetLab Suite. Download the attached pdf and find out what type of information each of the parameters provides and which organ system it relates to.
