Urine Routine Report: What Each Parameter Means

By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by our specialists · East Delhi

Why Urine Testing Is Important

A urine routine and microscopy (R&M) is one of the most information-rich, low-cost tests available. A single sample can reveal kidney disease, urinary infection, diabetes, liver disease, and blood disorders — making it an essential part of any health check-up.

Physical Characteristics

• Colour: Pale to deep yellow (normal); red/pink (blood); dark brown (bilirubin/haemoglobin)
• Appearance: Clear (normal); turbid (infection, crystals, pus)
• Specific gravity: 1.002–1.030 (measures urine concentration); Low in diabetes insipidus and kidney disease; High in dehydration

Chemical Analysis (Dipstick)

Protein (Proteinuria)

• Normal: Trace or negative (up to 150 mg/day)
• Persistent protein: kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes nephropathy
• Significant proteinuria (>300 mg/day): nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis

Glucose (Glycosuria)

• Normal: Negative
• Present with blood sugar >180 mg/dL (renal threshold): diabetes
• Glucose in urine without high blood sugar: renal glycosuria (benign tubular defect)

Nitrites & Leucocyte Esterase

• Positive nitrites: gram-negative bacterial infection (E. coli)
• Positive leucocyte esterase: WBCs present — infection or inflammation

Microscopy

• Pus cells (WBCs) >5/HPF: Urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis
• RBCs (hematuria): UTI, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, tumour — all require investigation
• Casts: Granular or red cell casts → kidney disease; hyaline casts → concentrated urine (normal)
• Bacteria: Suggests UTI (confirm with culture)