Many patients may find it awkward to pee into a cup, but what your doctors can test for with that small amount of urine is invaluable. Urine tests can detect severe conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease. Learn more about the different urine tests and how to notice signs of urine concerns at home.*

In what ways can your doctor examine your urine? 

Healthcare professionals use a combination of methods to test your urine.

• With the naked eye, a healthcare professional’s visual exam, which includes assessing the color and clarity, will help to identify kidney concerns.
• Using a microscope, a healthcare professional can find abnormalities like red or white blood cells, bacteria, or mineral crystals (that could turn into kidney stones).
• A dipstick test is helpful in determining the acidity of your, and looking for signs of diabetes, liver concerns, infection, or kidney issues. 

How can I tell if my urine is abnormal?

Monitoring your urine appearance is a way to be proactive about your health. Certain signs in your urine can indicate something is wrong. Here are some signs you can look for at home. 

• Red or dark brown urine can be caused by certain medications or foods, but it may also be caused by hematuria (blood in the urine). Hematuria can occur when the kidneys or urinary tract are damaged. 
• Foamy or fizzy urine can occur when urine hits the water forcibly, which may happen if you had to go very badly. If you notice bubbles in your urine, particularly ones that require multiple flushes, it could be a sign of proteinuria (protein in the urine). When kidneys are damaged, protein can leak out. Protein can also leak out for other reasons. 
• Smelly urine can be caused by dehydration or by certain foods like asparagus and Brussel sprouts, but can also suggest other health issues. 

While these signs may or may not indicate a serious health concern, it’s worthwhile to get them checked out as soon as you notice them. Early detection of kidney disease or injury can help prevent further damage and life-threatening complications. 

While it’s important to take abnormal urine signs seriously, you also should not panic but call your doctor or medical team for further guidance. 

*What Your Urine Says About Your Kidney Health. (2022, October 27). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/newsletter/what-your-urine-says-about-your-kidney-health