Urinalysis in practice – an update

Urinalysis is performed on a daily basis in most practices. It is a simple technique, requires minimal equipment and provides information not only about the urinary tract, but also other body systems. This article highlights how to get the most out of routine urinalysis in the typical practice laboratory. Additional information can be gained by submitting samples to an external laboratory for, for example, culture and sensitivity testing, and urine protein:creatinine ratio analysis. However, in general, basic urinalysis comprising dipstick testing, sediment examination and specific gravity is best performed in‐house while samples are still fresh.