Questions about urine test results?
Hello Doctor, recently I've been experiencing occasional sharp pain in my kidneys along with foamy urine, so I went to see a nephrologist for an examination.
Today, when I reviewed the report with the doctor, he mentioned that all the test values were normal and there should be no issues.
However, upon looking at the report at home, I have some questions.
1.
The report states that there is suspected dilute urine and that the ACR (Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio) cannot be calculated.
Does this mean that the values for the tests below this statement are inaccurate? Additionally, I did not dilute my urine at the time of collection, so I would like to know why this issue occurred.
2.
The report indicates that the urine specific gravity is below the reference value, at only 1.002.
Does this suggest that there is a problem that needs to be addressed?
Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/21
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: Due to the low specific gravity, the test report indicates a suspicion of dilution.
If it is confirmed that this is not the case, it is recommended that you follow up with a nephrologist or a family medicine specialist in the future.
Wishing you good health.
Reply Date: 2022/09/21
More Info
Dear Patient,
Thank you for your questions regarding your urine test report. Understanding the results of your urine tests is crucial for monitoring kidney health and identifying potential issues. Let’s address your concerns one by one.
1. Dilute Urine and ACR Calculation: The report indicates "疑似稀釋尿" (suspected dilute urine) and states that the Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) cannot be calculated. This suggests that the concentration of your urine is lower than normal, which can affect the accuracy of various test results. When urine is diluted, the levels of substances like albumin and creatinine may not reflect their true concentrations in the body. This can happen for several reasons, including excessive fluid intake before the test, certain medical conditions, or even the time of day when the sample was collected. If you did not intentionally dilute your urine, it might be worth discussing with your doctor whether any underlying conditions could be contributing to this dilution.
2. Low Specific Gravity: Your urine specific gravity of 1.002 is indeed lower than the normal reference range (typically 1.003 to 1.035). Low specific gravity can indicate that your kidneys are not concentrating urine effectively, which could be a sign of various conditions, including diabetes insipidus, chronic kidney disease, or excessive fluid intake. However, it’s important to interpret this result in the context of your overall health, hydration status, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Given your symptoms of kidney pain and foamy urine, it’s essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. Foamy urine can sometimes indicate the presence of excess protein, which is a concern for kidney health. Even if your current test results are normal, your symptoms warrant further investigation. Your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as a repeat urine analysis, blood tests to assess kidney function (like serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen), or imaging studies if necessary.
In summary, while your initial urine test results may appear normal, the notes regarding dilute urine and low specific gravity suggest that further evaluation may be beneficial. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any concerns you have regarding your kidney health.
Please ensure you stay hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake before any future tests to help provide a more accurate representation of your kidney function. If you have any more questions or need clarification on your results, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Best wishes for your health,
Doctor Q&A Teams
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