What is the primary purpose of a urinalysis?

The primary purpose of a urinalysis is to analyze properties of urine for diagnosis. This diagnostic tool provides valuable information about a person's overall health and can help detect various medical conditions. By examining the physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics of urine, healthcare professionals can identify signs of diseases related to the kidneys, urinary tract, metabolic disorders, and systemic conditions.

A urinalysis typically evaluates components such as glucose, protein, and white blood cells in the urine, which can indicate issues like diabetes, kidney disease, or infections. Additionally, it can measure urine specific gravity and pH, providing insights into hydration status and kidney function.

While hydration levels can be inferred through urinalysis results, such as specific gravity readings, this is not its primary focus. Detecting blood types is unrelated to urinalysis and is usually done through blood tests. Assessing liver function requires specific blood tests that measure enzymes and bilirubin, which are not part of a standard urinalysis.