Urinalysis

Urinalysis Testing for Delray Beach FL Children

What is a Urinalysis?

A urinalysis is a diagnostic test performed on a urine sample. Not only can a urinalysis provide insights about a child’s overall health, but it can also indicate more specific conditions based off a variety of different factors.

Most often, a urinalysis will be conducted to determine the health of an child’s kidneys or related bodily systems.

What is Evaluated During a Urinalysis?

There are three main components to a urinalysis, including:

  • Dipstick Test

  • Visual Test

  • Microscopic Exam

The dipstick test utilizes a chemical strip of paper that changes color based on different properties detected in the urine. This test is able to measure several key components of the urine, such as its:

  • Acidity

  • Protein levels

  • Ketones

  • Concentration

  • Signs of blood in the kidneys

  • Bilirubin

  • Sugar levels

  • Signs of an infection

With the visual test, the lab technician is searching for any immediate warning signs as indicated by discoloration or abnormal odor of the urine.

Finally, the microscopic exam will reveal more about the composition of the urine. This can alert medical professionals to any issues with the white or red blood cell count in a child’s body, as well as the formation or development of other concerning factors such as bacteria, yeasts, crystals, or casts.

What Should We Expect During a Child’s Urinalysis?

A urinalysis is really quite simple. All that is required from the patient is a sample for testing. To best prepare for providing a urine sample, parents should instruct their children to follow all instructions given to them by their pediatrician or lab technician.

When it is time for your child to give their urine sample, your doctor or a lab technician from our office will guide you both through these simple steps:

  • Cleanse the area before urinating

  • Start to urinate into the toilet, then after a small amount has left the body, place the collection container into proper position

  • Continue to urinate into the collection container until at least 1-2 ounces have been obtained

  • If the container has been filled but your child has not finished urinating, they will continue to empty the rest of their bladder’s contents into the toilet

  • Deliver the sample to the pediatrician or lab technician as directed

When Will I Receive My Child’s Urinalysis Results?

Test results from a urinalysis are typically available within a few days. It is important to remember that your child’s results may not provide a definitive diagnosis, but will aid in narrowing down the possible conditions that are affecting them.

Once the results are ready, your doctor or an affiliate of Pediatrics By The Sea will deliver the news either by phone or during your next appointment.