What are the standard components of urinalysis?

• A. Physical, Chemical, Microscopic
• B. Physical
• C. Chemical
• D. Microscopic

Answer: (A)

Urinalysis is performed in three parts: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. The physical portion notes gross features such as color, clarity, odor, and volume. The chemical portion uses dipstick testing to detect substances like pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen, blood, nitrites, and leukocyte esterase. The microscopic portion examines the urine sediment under a microscope to identify cells, crystals, casts, bacteria, and other formed elements.

These three areas together give a complete picture: gross appearance can hint at hydration, contamination, or unusual pigments; chemical tests reveal metabolic or renal abnormalities; microscopic findings confirm infections, inflammation, stones, or bleeding, and can detect abnormalities not evident chemically or grossly. Focusing on just one component would miss important clues, so the standard urinalysis includes physical, chemical, and microscopic examinations.