This test evaluates kidney health and helps diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) by analysing your urine sample under a microscope and identifying any bacterial growth.
Your health, expertly explained
Go beyond the numbers
Get ready to elevate your health understanding with a personalised doctor's report. Go beyond results and tap into expert insights tailored just for you.
- Actionable advice
- Expert support
- Tailored recommendations
Blood testing made easy
How it works
You have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. Enjoy the comfort of having a friendly nurse visit your home for a quick blood draw, opt for a convenient visit to one of our nationwide partner clinics, or self-arrange a draw at a location that suits you.
Take control of your health - order your test today!
Our portal, your results
Track, improve, and monitor your health over time.
MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle and vital statistics.
Supported by a team of specialist and qualified doctors
Dr Natasha Fernando
Medical Director
Dr Tina Ghela
Digital Clinician Lead
Dr Susanna Hayter
Digital Clinician
What's in the test?
Diabetes
Glucose
Learn more
Infection
Urine culture
Learn more
Usually urine does not contain significant numbers of any microorganism, but if bacteria are introduced into the urinary tract, they can multiply and a urinary tract infection (UTI) can develop. For a urine culture test, a sample of urine is examined under the microscope and cultured for 18 hours to check for any bacterial growth. If there is an infection found, the culture is extended so the laboratory can determine an effective antibiotic which will be able to fight the infection.
Kidney health
Protein
Learn more
Protein can temporarily appear in the urine when there is infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. If it persists it can be a sign of underlying illness causing the kidneys to leak protein. This test uses a urine dipstick to provide an estimate of the amount of protein present in a urine sample.
Urine chemistry
Urine - blood
Learn more
This test checks for the presence of red and white blood cells in the urine which may arise for a number of reasons including an infection or problems with the kidneys and bladder.
Ketone
Learn more
If the body's cells don't get enough glucose, fat is burned instead for energy. This produces a substance called ketones, which can show up in your blood and urine. High ketone levels in urine may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes that can lead to serious health problems. If you have diabetes, ketones in urine can indicate you are not getting enough insulin.
pH
Learn more
The kidneys are one of the most important mechanisms the body uses to maintain a constant body pH. Measuring urine pH can help to assess kidney function.
Urobilinogen
Learn more
Urobilinogen is formed from the breakdown of bilirubin, a substance found in the liver that aids in the breakdown of red blood cells. Normal urine contains some urobilinogen.
Urine microscopy
Red blood cells
Learn more
Red blood cells are not normally found in urine. They are released when there is inflammation or infection within the urinary tract.
White cell count - urine
Learn more
White blood cells are key to your body's immune or defence system. They fight infections and protect your body from foreign invaders such as harmful germs and bacteria.
Crystals
Learn more
Urine contains many chemicals which on occasion can form solid crystals. It is normal to have a few small urine crystals but larger crystals or specific types of crystals can eventually form kidney stones. Testing for urine crystals helps to assess kidney health.
Epithelial cells
Learn more
Epithelial cells line various surfaces of the body including the skin, blood vessels, organs and urinary tract acting as a protective barrier.
Casts
Learn more
Urinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles that may be found when a urine sample is examined under the microscope during a urinalysis test. Casts can be made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, kidney cells, protein or fat. The presence and content of a urinary cast help to assess kidney health and function.
Organisms
Learn more
A sample of urine is analysed under the microscope to check for any organisms which may cause an infection.
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Microscopy and Culture (UTI) Urine Test by following these instructions. This test may not detect an infection if you are currently taking antibiotics.
Test limitations
Reviews
FAQs
How do I take a UTI urine test?
For our Microscopy and Culture (UTI) Urine Test, a sample of your urine will be examined under the microscope in the laboratory and cultured for 18 hours, looking specifically for blood cells, pus cells, and casts (which are the cells and mucous that accumulate in the kidney before passing into the urine). This test pinpoints protein to identify whether there is either kidney damage or disease.
What does a UTI check for?
A urine culture checks for any microorganisms present that may cause an infection and, if they are present, helps to identify the type of antibiotic that will eradicate it.
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, and women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent urination, pain or burning sensation when urinating, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain.