Urine tests

Urine tests: what to know and how to prepare

Urine tests are a simple and informative method of lab diagnostics which helps to uncover diseases of the kidneys, urinary system, and metabolic disorders. At Medincentre examinations are conducted using modern equipment that guarantees precision and trustworthiness of the results.

Main types of urine tests

At the Medincentre laboratory various urine tests each of which require special preparation and an approach to collection of samples are available. 

Urinalysis (UA)

• Used to assess the physicochemical properties of urine (colour, clarity, density) and detect inflammatory processes.

Collection method: morning urine, preferably the first after overnight sleep. Hygiene of the genital area should be performed beforehand, and the midstream portion of urine collected in a sterile container.

Nechiporenko urine test

• Allows detection of hidden inflammation and infections in the urinary system.

Collection method: morning urine after thorough hygiene. Collect the midstream portion in a sterile container, avoiding the first and last drops.

24-hour urine test

• Used to assess kidney function and detect metabolic disorders.

Collection method: collect all urine over a 24-hour period in a single container stored in a cool place (for example, the fridge). On the morning when collection begins, discard the first (overnight) urine, then collect all subsequent portions until the same time the next morning. After completion, bring the total volume to the laboratory or submit a small portion as instructed by your doctor.

Bacteriological urine test

• Helps identify infections and select effective treatment.

Collection method: use the midstream portion of urine. Collect only in a sterile container after morning hygiene, preferably before starting any prescribed antibiotics.

Urine test for protein, sugar, and more

• Used for diagnosing diabetes and other systemic diseases.

Collection method: depends on the recommendation of your doctor. Most often, the first morning urine is used, or a 24-hour test is performed according to instructions.

How do I prepare for a urine test?

To get the best results it is required to follow these recommendations:

1. Exclude colouring products. A day before the test do not eat any beet, carrots, berries or other products that may influence the colour. 

2. Do not use diuretics. 48 hours before taking the test it is recommended to stop the use of diuretic medication.

3. Perform hygiene. Before urine collection it is necessary to perform hygiene to avoid getting contaminants in the sample.

4. Use a sterile container. Collect urine only into a special container which you can get in our laboratory or buy in a pharmacy.

5. Collect morning urine. The first morning portion is most informative because it contains concentrated information about the body’s condition.

Advantages of urine tests at Medincentre

• Modern methods. We use state-of-the-art technologies to get precise and trustworthy results.

• Comfort for the patient. Convenient placement of our in-house Russian-Swiss laboratory and the option of handing-in your tests without a que.

• Fast result time. Most of the results are available in the span of one work day.

• An individual approach. The staff provides clear instructions on preparation and collection of materials.

FAQs

Can you collect the sample during the day?

For a UA it is better to use a morning portion. However in other types of tests the time of collection may vary.

Does menstruation influence the test results?

Yes, it is recommended to take the test a couple of days after the end of menstruation to avoid skewed results. 

How fast will the results be ready?

Results of most tests are provided in the span of one work day.