Urine Tests: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Urine Tests?
A primary care doctor, a nephrologist (a kidney doctor), or a urologist (a doctor who treats the urinary tract) can order a urine test. The urine sample is sent to a lab, where it is examined. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A urinalysis is a test of your urine. It is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine.
The tests described here are urinalysis.
The lab checks the urine for the following.
- Its color.
- Its appearance, such as whether it is clear or cloudy.
- Any odor.
- The pH level, which shows how acidic it is.
- Whether there are cells, crystals, and casts, which are tube-shaped proteins.
- Whether it contains bacteria or other germs.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A urinalysis may be done in the following situations.
- As part of a routine medical exam to screen for early signs of disease.
- If you have signs of diabetes or kidney disease.
- To check for blood in the urine.
- To diagnose a urinary tract infection.
- To monitor some medical conditions and treatments.
How to prepare
Your health care provider will tell you what type of urine sample is needed. Two common methods are a 24-hour urine collection and a clean catch urine specimen. Certain medicines change the color of urine, but this is not a sign of disease. Your provider may tell you to stop taking any medicines that can affect test results.
What happens during it
A clean catch is a method of collecting a urine sample to be tested. It helps keep germs from the penis or vagina from getting into the sample.
- If possible, collect the sample when urine has been in your bladder for 2 to 3 hours.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- People with a penis clean the head of the penis with a sterile wipe.
- People with a vagina clean the inner folds of the labia with a wipe, from the front to the back.
- Urinate a small amount into the toilet bowl, then stop the flow of urine.
- Then urinate into the cup until it is about half full.
- You may finish urinating into the toilet bowl.
- Screw the lid tightly on the cup.
- Do not touch the inside of the cup or the lid.
If you are at home, put the cup in a plastic bag and keep it in the refrigerator until you take it to the lab or your provider's office. In the lab, a special strip called a dipstick is used to test for substances in the urine sample. The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Recovery
Normal urine varies in color from almost colorless to dark yellow. Usually, glucose, ketones, protein, and bilirubin are not detectable in urine. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
Abnormal results may mean you have an illness, such as the following.
- Kidney disease.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Kidney stones.
- Poorly controlled diabetes.
- Bladder or kidney cancer.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
There are no risks with this test. If a home test is used, the person reading the results must be able to tell the difference between colors.
Who performs it
Primary care doctors, kidney doctors, and urologists can order urine tests. Your health care provider tells you which type of urine sample is needed. A lab examines the sample.
Common questions
Does a urine test hurt?
No, the test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Can food or medicine change the color of urine?
Yes, certain medicines change the color of urine, but this is not a sign of disease. Some foods, such as beets and blackberries, may turn urine red.
Can I have a urine test during pregnancy?
Yes, you may have a urinalysis if you are pregnant.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Urinalysis
- MedlinePlus - Clean catch urine sample
- MedlinePlus - Urinalysis (health topic)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
