Urinalysis explained
Urinalysis is the microscope for kidneys and the urinary tract: specific gravity for concentration, dipstick for infection and bleeding, sediment for crystals and cells. Kidneys can only be fully assessed paired with chemistry.
🧾 Before the test
- ✓Free-catch midstream is best
- ✓At home use non-clumping sampling litter or a clean shallow dish
- ✓Deliver within 1-2 hours for the freshest sample
📊 Reading the key values
| Search | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity (USG) | Concentrated (dehydration or normal water saving) | Dilute: kidney or endocrine disease — persistent <1.020 with normal drinking needs work-up |
| Protein | Urinary inflammation or protein-losing nephropathy (confirm with UPC) | Normal |
| Blood | Stones, infection, tumor or contamination | Normal |
| Glucose | Blood glucose above the renal threshold (diabetes) | Normal |
| Ketones | Diabetic ketoacidosis, prolonged fasting | Normal |
| WBC / nitrite | Urinary tract infection | Normal |
| Sediment: crystals / cells | Crystals suggest stone risk; abnormal red/epithelial cells need microscopy | Normal |
💡 How to read it Urine specific gravity is one of the earliest windows into feline CKD: polydipsia plus persistently low USG warrants kidney testing. Samples older than an hour lose crystals and cells to misreading.
🤖 AI report interpretation
Type the values from your report below (e.g. “ALT 250, BUN 40”) and the AI will interpret them against each test’s reference meanings.
FAQ
How do I collect urine at home?
Non-clumping sampling litter (sold at vet clinics) or a clean shallow dish during urination; dogs can be free-caught midstream. Refrigerate for a few hours if needed.
Is protein in urine always kidney disease?
No — inflammation also causes it. A urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio confirms true protein loss.