Can a routine urinalysis detect kidney disease?

Routine urinalysis refers to a standard urine test. A standard urine test can indicate the possibility of kidney disease to some extent, but it cannot be solely relied upon to diagnose all types of kidney diseases. When kidney-related symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is necessary, and related examinations and treatments should be conducted following medical advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:

A routine urinalysis typically includes assessments of urine appearance, color, pH, specific gravity, protein, glucose, occult blood, white blood cells, and other parameters. These indicators can preliminarily reflect the functional status of the kidneys and whether any abnormalities exist.

The presence of protein in the urine may suggest abnormal kidney filtration function. Normally, protein appears in urine only rarely. When the kidneys are damaged, the filtration membrane may be compromised, allowing proteins to enter the urine. The presence of red blood cells in the urine may indicate diseases of the kidneys or urinary system. Hematuria (blood in urine) is a common symptom of kidney disease and may be caused by various factors such as inflammation, stones, or tumors.

Although routine urinalysis can assist in diagnosing kidney disease, the results can be influenced by multiple factors such as diet, medications, and strenuous exercise. Therefore, the results of routine urinalysis need to be interpreted in combination with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good living and dietary habits to reduce the burden on the kidneys and prevent the occurrence of kidney disease.