Urine chemistry

Definition

Urine chemistry refers to a group of tests performed on a urine sample.

Alternative Names

Chemistry - urine

How the test is performed

For this test, a clean-catch (midstream) urine sample is needed. For more information, see: Urine collection - clean catch.

Your doctor will order certain tests, which will be done on the urine sample in a laboratory.

How to prepare for the test

For detailed information about how to prepare for the test, how the test will feel, risks with the test, and normal and abnormal values, please see the test your health care provider ordered:

• 24-hr urinary aldosterone excretion rate
• 24-hr urine protein
• Acid loading test (pH)
• Adrenalin - urine test
• Amylase - urine
• Bilirubin - urine
• Calcium - urine
• Citric acid urine test
• Cortisol - urine
• Creatinine - urine
• Cytology exam of urine
• Dopamine - urine test
• Electrolytes - urine
• Epinephrine - urine test
• Glucose - urine
• HCG (qualitative - urine)
• Homovanillic acid (HVA)
• Immunoelectrophoresis - urine
• Immunofixation - urine
• Ketones - urine
• Leucine aminopeptidase - urine
• Myoglobin - urine
• Norepinephrine - urine test
• Normetanephrine
• Osmolality - urine
• Porphyrins - urine
• Potassium - urine
• Protein electrophoresis - urine
• Protein - urine
• RBC - urine
• Sodium - urine
• Urea nitrogen - urine
• Uric acid - urine
• Urinalysis
• Urine Bence-Jones protein
• Urinary casts
• Urine amino acids
• Urine concentration test
• Urine culture (catheterized specimen)
• Urine culture (clean catch)
• Urine dermatan sulfate
• Urine - hemoglobin
• Urine metanephrine
• Urine pH
• Urine specific gravity
• Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

Normal Values

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

References

McPherson RA, Ben-Ezra J, Zhao S. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 27.

Review Date: 8/8/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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