Urinalysis with Reflex to Microscopic Test
Urinalysis with Reflex to Microscopic measures chemical constituents of urine using a dipstick. If the dipstick results or the appearance of the sample indicate it, the laboratory adds a microscopic examination of the same sample.
About this test
This test starts as a standard dipstick urinalysis, checking a set of chemical constituents in a urine sample using reagent-impregnated strips or tablets. Quest lists it under several related names, including UA, U/A, UA and Clean Catch, UA and Midstream, and Urine Analysis, all referring to this same reflex-based test.
The sample is a 10 mL urine specimen collected in a urinalysis transport tube. Because it is a reflex test, a microscopic examination is not performed automatically on every sample; it is added when the dipstick results or the appearance of the urine indicate it, without requiring a separate order.
Test details
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The dipstick portion reports chemical findings such as color, appearance, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, occult blood, leukocyte esterase and nitrite. When a microscopic examination is added, it looks at formed elements in the urine, including red and white blood cells, bacteria, yeast, casts, crystals and epithelial cells.
This test isn't part of the Celio Health store at the moment, so it can't be ordered or requested here. The test menu lists everything that can.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Urinalysis with Reflex to Microscopic measure?
It measures chemical constituents of urine using a dipstick. If the dipstick results or the sample's appearance indicate it, a microscopic examination is added to look for cells, bacteria, yeast and other formed elements.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 10 mL urine specimen collected in a urinalysis transport tube.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
What does "reflex to microscopic" mean?
It means the microscopic examination is not run on every sample. The laboratory adds it automatically when the dipstick results or the appearance of the urine indicate it, without a separate order being needed.
What does the microscopic examination look for?
When it is performed, the microscopic examination looks at formed elements in the urine, such as red and white blood cells, bacteria, yeast, casts, crystals and epithelial cells.