Urinalysis is one of the most frequently ordered diagnostic tests performed at urgent care centers. This non-invasive procedure involves examining a urine sample to screen for various health issues, offering a rapid snapshot of a person’s overall health. This quick assessment tool helps medical providers make timely decisions about a patient’s condition and immediate treatment plan.
Basic Urinalysis Techniques Available
The rapid turnaround time for results is possible because urinalysis is performed using two swift, in-house techniques. The initial step is the dipstick test, which employs a plastic strip containing chemical-sensitive pads. When immersed in the urine sample, the pads react to chemical markers like pH levels, protein, glucose, and ketones, providing semi-quantitative results within minutes based on color changes.
If the dipstick indicates an abnormality, a microscopic analysis of the urine sediment is usually performed. This involves spinning the sample in a centrifuge to concentrate the solid components. The concentrated material is then viewed under a microscope to inspect for cells (such as red or white blood cells), bacteria, yeast, or mineral crystals. These two methods give the provider enough information to form a preliminary diagnosis.
Common Conditions Identified Through Testing
Urinalysis results are instrumental in identifying several acute conditions commonly seen in urgent care. A suspected Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is strongly supported by the presence of leukocyte esterase (an enzyme released by white blood cells) and nitrites (a byproduct of certain bacteria converting nitrates in the urine). The microscopic exam confirms the presence of white blood cells and bacteria.
Patients presenting with acute flank or abdominal pain are checked for signs of kidney stones. The presence of blood (hematuria), along with various crystals under the microscope, suggests a stone may be moving through the urinary tract. The test also screens for uncontrolled diabetes, where high blood sugar levels lead to the spillage of glucose and ketones into the urine. Detecting these substances prompts immediate management, such as a referral for further blood glucose testing.
Limitations of Urgent Care Lab Work and Next Steps
Despite the speed and utility of point-of-care urinalysis, it has limitations, particularly when a definitive diagnosis or complex treatment is required. While the test can strongly suggest a bacterial infection, it cannot identify the specific strain of bacteria or determine which antibiotics will be most effective. To get this detailed information, the urgent care center must collect a sample for a urine culture, which is then sent to an outside lab.
Growing the bacteria and testing their susceptibility typically takes 24 to 72 hours. Urgent care providers often begin treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic based on initial urinalysis results, understanding that the medication may need adjustment once the culture results return. Urgent care centers are not equipped for the long-term management of chronic diseases.
If the urinalysis reveals markers for chronic conditions, such as persistent protein suggesting long-term kidney issues, the patient is referred to a Primary Care Physician (PCP) for ongoing monitoring and specialized care. An abnormal result combined with severe symptoms may necessitate an immediate transfer to an Emergency Room (ER) for a higher level of care. Findings such as severe dehydration, a high fever, or indications that a localized infection has spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) require hospital resources.