Urine chemistry

Urine chemistry is a group of one or more tests done to check the chemical content of a urine sample.

How the Test is Performed

For this test, a clean catch (midstream) urine sample is needed.

Some tests require that you collect all of your urine for 24 hours.

Your health care provider will order certain tests, which will be done on the urine sample in a lab.

How to Prepare for the Test

How to Prepare for the Test has been expanded.

For detailed information about how to prepare for the test, how the test will feel, risks with the test, and normal and abnormal values, please see the test your provider ordered:

Normal Results

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

Alternative Names

Chemistry - urine

Images

Urine test

References

Gharavi AG, Landry DW. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 100.

Riley RS, McPherson RA. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 29.

Review Date 10/28/2024

Updated by: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.