A urinalysis is a lab test, and it’s done to identify problems in your urine. It is also called a UA, urine analysis, or urine test, and it’s a type of screening test. Urine is stored in the bladder and is one of the main ways that the body gets rid of waste. Because of this, many substances can be found when it’s tested and can give your provider answers to health problems you might be having. Problems with organs like the bladder, kidneys, and even the lungs, can be identified by the appearance, content, and concentration of the urine.
The CPT code of Urinalysis – Manual,and Automated is “81000 or 81001/
81002 or 81003″.
Why is urinalysis done?
There are many reasons why a urinalysis might be done, including identifying diseases like liver or kidney disease.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as back pain, pain with urination, or blood in your urine when you use the restroom, this screening will help your provider narrow down what is going on.
Here are some other reasons why you might be asked to have a urine test:
- If you’re preparing for surgery
- During your pregnancy to screen for sugars, proteins, and bacteria
- As part of a routine check-up or physical exam
- If you have a kidney, liver, urinary tract disease, or diabetes (to monitor your treatment progress)
What are the Types of Urinalysis?
There are three common ways a provider will screen and test your urine sample. Some urine test labs, clinics or providers will test it in all three ways, depending on the information that is needed.
Visual Test:
The doctor or technician will examine the sample and look for abnormalities. These abnormalities may include abnormal odors or colors, such as if the urine looks red or brown, or if they can see blood in it. Urine is typically clear or light in color, so if it’s cloudy or has an unusual odor, it can mean you have an infection. Foam in the sample can also indicate kidney disease.
Microscopic Test:
This is when drops of urine are examined under a microscope to see the things that would be too small otherwise. Some of the things that the provider looks for are:
- Abnormalities in the white or red blood cells, which can indicate a kidney or blood disorder or bladder cancer.
- Crystals that are made of chemicals can mean the presence of kidney stones
- Yeast or bacteria in the urine can mean an infection
- If epithelial cells (cells from surfaces in your body) are seen, it can indicate a tumor.
Dipstick Test:
When a plastic stick is inserted into the sample. The stick will change color based on the substances in the urine, which can help doctors identify things like blood, sugar, specific gravity (concentrations of solutes in the urine), proteins, PH levels, acidity, bilirubin, and others.
High concentrations of particulates (microscopic particles) in your urine sample might also mean you are dehydrated. High PH levels can show issues with kidneys or the urinary tract, and high sugars can be a symptom of diabetes. Although urinalysis is an important test that can show your provider lots of valuable information, it is not usually used all by itself to find a diagnosis. Remember that your doctor will give you follow-up instructions after they receive your results if there are any abnormalities.
How can I prepare for a Urinalysis?
The preparation for urinalysis is very simple. You should be able to eat and drink just like normal before your screening, but you’ll want to make sure to drink enough water to urinate. Avoid foods like beets, as they can discolor your sample and make it appear brown or red. You’ll want to tell your doctor what medications or supplements you are taking because they can sometimes affect the results of your screening.
What can I expect?
You’ll be asked to collect a sample of your urine at home, or you’ll be asked to give a sample at the facility where you are having the test done. You’ll be given a small, clean container to urinate into. If you’re asked to collect this at home, they may ask you to urinate in the morning for your sample, since the sample would be more concentrated. Females should let their doctor or provider know if they are menstruating (on their period) at the time they are giving their sample..
The best results are when patients use something called the “clean-catch” method:
- Clean around the urinary opening (for males, cleaning the penis around the tip, and for females, cleaning from front to back and between the labia)
- Begin to urinate into the toilet, then put the container into the stream of urine.
- Collect 1-2 ounces, then remove the container. Finish urinating, and deliver the sample as directed.
How long does it take?
Urinalysis is a very brief test, and usually, the process only takes a few minutes. If you’re having the test done at your regular healthcare office or clinic, sometimes the results are available right away. If your sample will need to be sent to a lab, then most facilities have the results ready in 1-2 days.
What happens after?
After you hand over your urine sample, you are free to resume your normal activities. There is no recovery period, and the process should be quick and painless. After your results are reviewed by your doctor, they will let you know:
- If they diagnose you with urinary tract problems, kidney disorders, or other possible diseases, they may ask you to have additional testing done.
- If your results are normal and within normal ranges for the different substances inside the sample, you will likely not need to go for further testing, but it depends on the symptoms you are experiencing.
Your provider will go over what to do next when you receive your results.
How much does a Urinalysis cost?
A urinalysis test or (UTI)Urine test can cost from $30-$247, depending on the type of clinic or provider, the geographical location, and the type of provider. With insurance, your co-pay may range from $10-$30, on average. Doctors can bill for Urinalysis using the CPT code 81000 /81001 /81002 /81003.
Urinalysis is a highly effective screening process that can be very helpful in determining your health. If you have health problems or are experiencing symptoms, the test can help your providers diagnose you or monitor your treatment plan. Although it’s on the lower end of costly lab tests, it can still be expensive.
If you are having the screening done, you want to know you can trust the results. That means choosing a provider who is qualified, experienced, and at a location where you can afford the test. ZeaMed offers a wide variety of resources when it comes to finding where you can have a urinalysis done, and helps you make a confident choice. Visit the website for discounts and further information!
Sources:
Cleveland clinic urinalysis
Mayoclinic urinalysis
Merckmanuals-urinary tract