What to Do If Your Urinalysis Shows Abnormal Results?

Q: What to Do If Your Urinalysis Shows Abnormal Results?

Hello： In response to your question, the urinalysis indicated the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, and pyuria, which may be caused by hemorrhagic cystitis due to a lower urinary tract infection. <br>If there are no symptoms of fever or flank pain, it suggests that the infectio

What should I do if the results of my urine test report are abnormal?

In the health check report, the urine test results show the following abnormalities highlighted in red for the first time: PRO (protein) is +, OB (urine occult blood) is 3+, BIL (urine bilirubin) is +, and WBC (white blood cells) is 3+.
All other results are normal.
What further follow-up tests should be conducted? Based on the report findings, what aspects of health might be problematic, and what should be monitored? Thank you!

xingxing, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/09/03

Dr. Yang Jun reply Internal Medicine

Hello: In response to your question, the urinalysis indicated the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, and pyuria, which may be caused by hemorrhagic cystitis due to a lower urinary tract infection.
If there are no symptoms of fever or flank pain, it suggests that the infection has not progressed to pyelonephritis.
It is essential to consult a nephrologist, urologist, or infectious disease specialist for a urine culture, followed by antibiotic treatment, or to arrange for a renal ultrasound.
Additionally, a follow-up appointment should be scheduled a few days later to recheck the urine report for signs of recovery.
Since the female urinary and reproductive systems are more susceptible to infections, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, drink plenty of water, avoid holding urine, and use the restroom frequently to prevent recurrent infections.

Reply Date: 2003/09/03

More Info

When your urinalysis shows abnormal results, it can be concerning, but it’s important to understand what these results mean and what steps you should take next. In your case, the presence of protein (PRO) at a positive level, occult blood (OB) at 3+, bilirubin (BIL) at a positive level, and white blood cells (WBC) at 3+ indicates potential issues that warrant further investigation.

Understanding Your Results
1. Protein (PRO): The presence of protein in urine, known as proteinuria, can be a sign of kidney damage or disease. It can occur due to various reasons, including diabetes, hypertension, or glomerulonephritis. A positive result suggests that your kidneys may not be filtering properly.

2. Occult Blood (OB): A positive result for occult blood indicates that there are red blood cells in your urine, which can be due to a variety of causes, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or more serious conditions like tumors or glomerular disease.

3. Bilirubin (BIL): The presence of bilirubin in urine can indicate liver dysfunction or hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells). This could suggest conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction.

4. White Blood Cells (WBC): The presence of white blood cells in urine typically suggests an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract or kidneys. This could be due to a UTI or pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

Next Steps
Given these abnormal results, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Here are some recommended steps:
1. Repeat Urinalysis: Sometimes, a repeat urinalysis can help confirm the initial findings. It’s important to ensure that the results are consistent.

2. Urine Culture: If a UTI is suspected, a urine culture can help identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

3. Blood Tests: Blood tests can provide additional information about kidney function (such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels) and liver function (such as liver enzymes and bilirubin levels).

4. Imaging Studies: Depending on your symptoms and the results of the initial tests, imaging studies like an ultrasound or CT scan may be warranted to visualize the kidneys and urinary tract for any abnormalities.

5. Referral to a Specialist: If kidney disease or liver disease is suspected, a referral to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) or hepatologist (liver specialist) may be necessary for further evaluation and management.

What to Monitor
While awaiting further evaluation, it’s important to monitor for any new symptoms. Be vigilant for signs such as:
- Changes in urination (frequency, urgency, pain)
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Fatigue or weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Fever or chills (which may indicate infection)

Conclusion
Abnormal urinalysis results can indicate a variety of underlying health issues, and it’s essential to take these findings seriously. By following up with your healthcare provider and undergoing the recommended tests, you can gain a clearer understanding of your health status and address any potential issues early on. Remember, early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for many conditions.

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