Urine Routine Test: Purpose, Values, Type & Cost [2024]

• Cost
• Purpose
• Procedure
• Preparation
• Results

A urine routine test is a common medical test done by taking a sample of urine. It is one of the most frequently performed tests. Urine routine test includes physical, chemical and microscopic examination of urine.

Test Details in Brief

Also Known As	Urinogram, Urine Routine and Microscopy, Urine R/M, Complete Urine Analysis, CUE
Purpose	To rule out certain diseases related to UTI, Kidney, Liver, Diabetes & Pregnancy
Preparation	No special preparation required
Fasting	No
Sample Type	Urine
Reporting Time	8 to 24 Hrs.
Cost	Rs. 100 to Rs. 300

Purpose

Its main purpose is to examine urine sample for normal or any abnormal values. A doctor can use it to diagnose disease or monitor treatment progress. Its main purpose is

1. Being a part of routine health check-up, the purpose of urine routine test is to rule out certain diseases such as-

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetes 

2. Routine urine and microscopy test is also used in checking the progress of the undergoing treatment.

Urine Routine test During pregnancy

Urine routine and microscopy test is performed during pregnancy to detect any infection and diseases.

Why and when to get tested?

You should get yourself tested in case of following symptoms or your doctor may recommend urine test in the following conditions –

• Pain in abdomen 
• Back pain
• Pain while urinating
• Traces of blood in the urine 
• Fever with chills
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• High blood pressure
• Increase in frequency to urinate

Urine routine test Preparation

There is no special preparation required for a urine routine test. You can have a normal meal before the test. If you are under some medications you must inform your doctor. Certain medicines and supplements can interfere with the result of urine tests.

You will get a sterile container and all you need to do is after passing a small stream of urine collect the urine in the container. The sample can be collected from home or you can also visit a nearby lab. For accuracy of the result, always collect the midstream of the urine.

After giving the sample one can resume their routine activity.

Urine routine test Components

The main components of routine urine test include –

Epithelial cells 

Epithelial cells are a part of microscopic urine tests. 

Epithelial cells in the urine are observed under a microscope. Small amounts of epithelial cells are found in urine. The higher range of these cells indicates kidney disease, infections or certain medical disorders.

You might require an epithelial cell test if there is pain while urinating, pain in the abdomen or back pain. 

The presence of moderate to many cells might indicate yeast infection, kidney disease, liver disease, urinary tract infection or certain types of cancer.

Pus cells

The presence of pus cells or white blood cells in urine is called pyuria. 

The most common cause of presence of pus cells in urine is infection in parts of the urinary system.

Albumin

Albumin is a form of protein. The level of albumin increases in the urine when the kidney does not function properly. 

Indications of urine routine test

Color

The Colour of the urine is examined visually. Normal urine is clear or pale yellow. Cloudiness or any other colour may indicate infection. The urine may appear red or brown due to the presence of blood. Urine colour might be changed depending upon the food you eat.

pH Level

The level of the pH indicates acid in the urine. pH reading abnormally high or low indicates infection in the kidney or urinary tract.

Urine protein

Traces of protein in urine is normal. A slight increase in protein is not a concern but a high level of protein signifies kidney problem.

Urine glucose

In case, the amount is very, then it cannot be detected in a urine routine test. If the test shows the presence of sugar then one needs to consult a healthcare provider.

Ketone

The presence of ketone in the urine is a sign of diabetes and one needs to do a follow up with a consultant. It can also be formed due to prolonged fasting.

Normal Values, Result and Report

Given below is a report of a patient showing the result of a urine routine test with normal range for interpretation.   

Test Name	Result	Normal Range	Lower Level	High Level
Physical examination
Volume	25 ml
Color	Pale yellow	Pale yellow
Chemical examination
pH	5	4.5-7.5	5	9
Specific gravity	1.015	1.001-1.030	1.000	1.060
Nitrite	Negative	Negative	0	>1
Protein	Nil	<150 mg/dL	<20	>500
Glucose	Nil	<130 mg/dL	<20	>500
Ketone	Absent	None	<3	>80
Bilirubin	Absent	Nil	<1.80	>4.00
Urobilinogen	Normal	0.1 to 1.0	<1.60	>4.00
Leucocyte esterase		<2-5 WBCs/hpf	0	5
Nitrite	Negative	Negative	0-1	>1
Microscopic examination
R.B.C	0-1	<3 RBCs/hpf	0	4
Epithelial cells	4-5/hpf	Nil	0	0
Pus cells	10-15/hpf	2-3 pus cells/hpf	2	3
Casts	Nil	0-5 hyaline cast per lpf	0	5
Crystals	Nil

Urine routine Test Cost in India

The cost of the Urine test ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 350. The actual cost depends on:

• The numbers of components covered
• City (Metros are more expensive)
• Lab (Dr Lal path labs is more expensive than Thyrocare)
• Home Collection

Kindly note that prices are tentative and subject to change at the discretion of the diagnostic centers.

Cost at Popular Labs

Name of Lab	Test Cost
1. Dr Lal Path labs	Rs 100
2. Thyrocare	Rs 240
3. Metropolis Healthcare	Rs 200
4. SRL Diagnostics	Rs 300

City Wise Prices

City	Test Prices
Delhi	Rs 70 – 150
Mumbai	Rs 150- 250
Hyderabad	Rs 100- 200
Kolkata	Rs 120 – 200
Chennai	Rs 70 – 240

Urine routine test is very common for diabetes, general wellness and pregnancy. We have tried to address all the important questions related to the test. In case of any doubt, write back in the comment section below and we will try to answer it.