Urine FEME (Urinalysis)

A Urine FEME Urinalysis test is performed to:

• Diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Detect kidney diseases and disorders
• Identify the presence of kidney stones or metabolic disorders
• Monitor existing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
• Screen for infections, inflammation, and other urinary tract conditions

The benefits of a Urine FEME Urinalysis test include:

• Early Detection: Identifies potential health issues at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment and management.
• Comprehensive Analysis: Provides detailed information about the presence of cells, bacteria, and other substances in the urine, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
• Non-Invasive: The test involves a simple urine sample collection, making it a non-invasive and easily accessible diagnostic tool.
• Monitoring Health Conditions: Helps monitor the progression or improvement of existing health conditions, such as kidney disease or UTIs, and assesses the effectiveness of treatments.
• Guiding Further Testing: Abnormal results can prompt further diagnostic testing or investigations to determine the underlying cause of urinary abnormalities.

The Urine FEME Urinalysis test is conducted in the following steps:

• Sample Collection: A clean-catch midstream urine sample is collected in a sterile container. Patients are usually instructed to clean the genital area before collecting the sample to avoid contamination.
• Sample Preparation: The collected urine sample is centrifuged to concentrate the sediment at the bottom of the container.
• Microscopic Examination: The sediment is placed on a glass slide and examined under a microscope to identify and quantify cells, crystals, bacteria, and other elements.

The results of a Urine FEME Urinalysis test provide detailed information about a person's health:

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Normally, very few or no RBCs should be present. Elevated levels may indicate bleeding, trauma, infection, or kidney stones.
• White Blood Cells (WBCs): Normally, very few or no WBCs should be present. Elevated levels suggest infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Bacteria: Normally, urine is sterile. The presence of bacteria indicates a urinary tract infection.
• Crystals: Some types of crystals can be normal, but others may indicate kidney stones or metabolic disorders.
• Casts: Presence of casts can indicate kidney disease. The type of cast provides clues about the specific condition affecting the kidneys.
• Yeast Cells: Normally, no yeast cells should be present. Their presence can indicate a fungal infection.
• Epithelial Cells: Normally, a few epithelial cells can be present. Increased numbers can indicate infection, inflammation, or other conditions affecting the urinary tract lining.

Generally, no special preparation is required for a Urine FEME Urinalysis test. However, patients should follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider, such as:

• Avoiding certain foods or medications that may affect the test results
• Cleaning the genital area before collecting the urine sample to prevent contamination
• Providing a midstream urine sample for more accurate results

The turnaround time for Urine FEME Urinalysis test results can vary depending on the laboratory and healthcare facility. In many cases, results are available within a few hours to a day. Some tests may take longer if additional analysis is required.

While both Urine FEME Urinalysis and Urine Culture are diagnostic tests used to evaluate urine, they serve different purposes and provide different information:

• Urine FEME Urinalysis: This test evaluates the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine. It helps detect the presence of red and white blood cells, bacteria, crystals, casts, yeast cells, and epithelial cells. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions like UTIs, kidney diseases, and metabolic disorders.
• Urine Culture: This test specifically identifies and quantifies bacteria or fungi present in the urine. It is used to diagnose urinary tract infections and determine the specific microorganism causing the infection. It also includes antibiotic sensitivity testing to guide the selection of effective antibiotics for treatment.