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Urinalysis

Urinalysis

Routine urine analyis is done as part of regular checkup, pregnancy test or to check for UTI. Urinalysis is done along with CMP test or CBC test to get an overall picture of a person's health. Urinalyis is useful in monitoring of diabetes or endocrine disorders. It can be used to screen for drug abuse.

pH level: Typically urine pH can range from 4.5 - 8.

Specific gravity: Specific gravity of around 1.002 and 1.035 is indicative of normal kidney function.

Protein: Total protein in urine normally does not exceed 150 mg/24 hours or 10 mg/100 ml.

Glucose: Excess sugar in urine is usually indicative of diabetes mellitus.

Ketones: The presence of acetone, aceotacetic acid or beta hydroxybutyric acid can indicate caloric deprivation or any other disorder.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is generally noticed in people over the age of 50. Quite often it is curable especially when it is found superficially on the surface of the bladder. At its more invasive and deeper stage, Bladder Cancer can be fatal. More instances of bladder cancer have been found in smokers, in particular those who have worked with PCB plastics or commercial dye industry.

This cancer occurs almost uniformly within the transitional cells of the bladder (the type of cell which lines the bladder wall). Transitional cell cancer is also found in the kidney and the ureter (the tube which connects the kidney to the bladder) although with much less frequency.

A urinalysis that shows an increased number of white blood cells without evidence of bacterial infection can lead to suspicion of bladder cancer. Urinalysis may also be remarkable for microscopic haematuria (blood in minute quantities). A cystoscopy allows the Urologist to look inside the bladder. This procedure is done under I.V. sedation or general anaesthesia. Cancer is detected with a biopsy or tissue sample. This is where a Pathologist can help in determining the extent of invasion of the cancer.

Chemotherapy agents are injected into the bladder through a catheter. These agents could include Adriamycin, BCG and other types of chemotherapy. If the bladder cancer is in an invasive stage, radical cystectomy may be required. This means a total surgical removal of the bladder. Radiation therapy which involves high doses of x-rays to localised body parts along with chemotherapy can be succesfully used to treat patients suffering from bladder cancer. When the bladder cancer has reached an advanced stage, it is generally incurable. A nutritious cancer diet is used to supplement the treatment.

Acute Glomerulonephritis

Acute glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that arises from inflammation of the glomerulus. The glomerulus is a small condensed group of blood vessels that filter the blood. A compromised kidney function or overt kidney failure can lead to Acute glomerulonephritis.

The post-streptococcal form of glomerulonephritis is being discussed here, though there are other causes too. You can read up more on rheumatic fever. Glomerulonephritis, that occurs post-streptococcal infection is usually the result of an untreated bacterial throat infection (strep throat) or scarlet fever. There are special quick tests to diagnose strep throat and suitable antibiotics are prescribed. Rheumatic fever occurs largely due to the body's abnormal immunologic reaction to the bacteria.

Patients suffering from Glomerulonephritis will notice smoky coloured urine, declined urine output, facial and body swelling and increased blood pressure. A kidney profile along with a blood test and examination of the status of electrolytes will allow a doctor to assess the extent of damage to the kidneys and what portion of the kidney functions are not affected. Urinalysis and 24 hour urine collection for creatinine aid in the diagnosis. When there is a doubt about the diagnosis, a kidney biopsy may be necessary.

A Nephrologist or Internist is best equipped to handle this medical condition. Additional information on kidney disease can be perused along with suggestions for an appropriate kidney disease diet.