General Urine Examination (G.U.E.) Quiz

The process of examining urine physically, chemically, and microscopically to detect and measure various compounds. It involves a range of tests to evaluate kidney function, identify diseases or disorders of the urinary tract, and monitor certain health conditions.

A complex fluid mostly composed of water (95%) and waste products (5%). It is generated by the kidneys through filtering blood and is primarily excreted by the body through urination.

Urea, creatinine, uric acid, hippuric acid, amino acids, and ammonia are the primary organic compounds in urine, while water, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, small amounts of calcium, magnesium), sulfates, phosphates, and trace elements (zinc, copper, iron, iodine) are the key inorganic components.

Urinalysis is used for diagnosing metabolic or systemic diseases affecting kidney function, pinpointing diseases or disorders of the kidneys or urinary tract, monitoring diabetic patients, testing for pregnancy, screening for drug abuse, and investigating various urinary complaints.

Collected in the early morning, this type of sample provides an accurate representation of overnight urine concentration, useful for qualitative analysis.

A random sample of urine collected at any time of day, routinely used for basic urinalysis.

A 24-hour urine collection, measuring the total volume and components over a full day, used for quantitative analysis, such as kidney function tests.

A urine sample collected after proper cleaning of the genital area, aiming to avoid contamination with vaginal or urethral secretions, used to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Urine collected after a meal, usually within 2 hours after eating.

A test that analyzes the physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics of urine.

The visual characteristics of urine such as color, appearance and odor.

Urine that is clear and transparent.

Urine that is cloudy or turbid.

Test strips used to evaluate multiple chemical properties of urine, such as glucose, protein, and blood.

The process of separating particles in a fluid by spinning it at high speeds.

Analysis of the microscopic components in urine, such as cells and bacteria.

A measure of the concentration of dissolved substances in urine, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. A higher specific gravity indicates more solutes in the urine.

Normally, ketones are not present in urine. Elevated ketones (ketonuria) can signal problems like diabetes, low carbohydrate intake, severe vomiting, or diarrhea.

A common test that checks for the presence of glucose (sugar) in the urine. Normally, urine has very little or no glucose. The presence of glucose can be a sign of diabetes.

A condition where there's too much blood in the urine. It can be a symptom of various problems in the urinary tract, like kidney stones, infections, or even cancer.

The presence of protein in urine, which is abnormal. It suggests problems with the kidneys' filtering ability, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.

A substance normally present in small amounts in urine. Elevated levels (urobilinogenuria) can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

A very low pH in urine (acidic) can result from conditions like diabetes, diarrhea, or starvation. High pH (alkaline) could indicate kidney problems, urinary tract infections, or certain medications.

The presence of nitrites in urine can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by certain bacteria. Nitrites are usually not found in urine.

A type of proteinuria that occurs when someone loses protein in their urine only while standing or sitting up, but not when lying down. It is most common in adolescents, and usually disappears with age.

A more serious type of proteinuria that indicates an underlying kidney disease or other medical issue. It is not temporary and may require treatment.

The presence of an abnormal number of red blood cells in the urine. It can be a sign of kidney damage, tumors, urinary tract stones, or infection.

A type of hematuria where blood is visible to the naked eye, making the urine appear pink, brown, or red.

A type of hematuria where blood cells are present in the urine, but not visible to the naked eye. It can only be detected under a microscope.

The presence of pus cells (dead white blood cells) in the urine. It is a sign of inflammation or infection in the urinary or genital tract, or acute glomerulonephritis.

Cells that come from surfaces of the body, like skin. They have a large round or oval nucleus.

The presence of a small number of epithelial cells in urine is normal, but a high number could indicate an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.

Squamous epithelial cells are a type of cell found in the lining of the urinary tract. A healthy person may have a small number of epithelial cells in their urine, but an increased number can indicate an infection or inflammation. This is because the urinary tract is designed to push out waste products, but sometimes cells can become damaged or dislodged during the process.

Casts are cylindrical structures formed in the renal tubules, the tiny tubes in your kidneys. They are made from a mix of things like WBCs (white blood cells), RBCs (red blood cells), kidney cells, and substances like protein. The different types of casts tell us about what might be happening in your kidneys.

Hyaline casts are clear, transparent, and homogeneous, meaning they are the same throughout. They can occur for various reasons and are not always a sign of trouble. However, other types of casts can signal more serious issues like kidney disease.

Granular casts are made from small, granular particles. These particles can be signs of things like dehydration or even dead tissue in the kidneys. They are not always a serious issue, but they can be a sign of a problem if they are found in large numbers.

Waxy casts are opaque, brittle, and have sharp edges. They are a sign of advanced chronic kidney disease, meaning the kidneys are not functioning properly. This is a serious issue and requires medical attention.

Crystals are small, solid structures that can be found in urine. While a few are normal, certain types can clump together and form kidney stones. This can cause pain and other complications.

Mucus is a slippery substance secreted by glands in the urinary tract. A small amount is normal, but increased mucus might indicate a UTI or inflammatory disease. It's best to talk to your doctor if you notice a significant change.

Amorphous substances are small, shapeless particles that can be found in urine. They are typically made up of compounds like urates or phosphates, and their presence depends on the acidity or alkalinity of the urine. These substances are usually not a cause for concern.

Formation of kidney stones is influenced by factors like decreased urine volume, altered pH, and high levels of uric acid (from meat) or calcium (from dairy) in the diet.

The presence of bacteria in urine is normal, especially due to vaginal or urethral flora. However, bacteria with pus indicate a potential infection.

Common bacteria found in urine samples include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

The urine sediment analysis involves centrifuging urine to separate cells and other components. This sediment is then viewed under a microscope to identify abnormal elements.

A microscopic examination of urine sediment involves examining the sediment under low power to count casts (reported as number per low power field) and then under high power to count cells and bacteria (reported as number per high power field).

Common elements found in urine sediment include red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), epithelial cells, crystals, and bacteria.

Hyaline casts are usually reported as the number found per low power field (LPF). An example would be '5-10 hyaline casts/LPF'.

The number of white blood cells (WBCs) per high power field (HPF) are reported in urine sediment analysis. For example, '1-5 WBC/HPF' indicates a range of WBCs found.