Abstract
Dipstick urinalysis is a simple and cost effective method for screening of urinary abnormalities, thus enabling early detection and prompt management of renal pathologies. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of urinalysis profile among apparently healthy cohorts using medical doctors of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. One hundred (100) medical doctors aged 20 to 50 years were selected through convenience sampling in a descriptive cross sectional study from August 20, 2020 to September 10, 2020. Ninety-One (91%) had their urine tested with dipstick test strips by Wellkang Ltd. Abnormal urinary findings occurred in 48 (52.8%) of the subjects which were blood 5 (5.50%), glucose 8 (8.80%), protein 15 (16.50%), nitrite 10 (11.00%), leucocyte 6 (6.60%) and Ascorbic acid 4 (4.40%). The prevalence of urine abnormality was higher in the 25-30year age group (48.4%), though not statistically significant (P>0.05). No significant association existed between pH and urine abnormality (p=0.5). No significant association existed between specific gravity and urine abnormality (p=0.5). It was concluded that the prevalence of urine abnormalities was significantly high (52.8%) with proteinuria and (11.0%) nitrites being the commonest abnormalities. Routine dipstick urinalysis is a cheap and simple method for early identification of urine abnormalities in apparently healthy cohorts using medical doctors and a positive dipstick test for proteinuria should prompt further evaluation for the presence of kidney disease. It is recommended that Urinalysis should be instituted as a routine test for medical doctors in hospitals because of its importance in disease surveillance.
Highlights
Urinalysis refers to the chemical analysis of urine
The significance of urinalysis in diagnostic medicine came to limelight over a century ago when William Roberts, an English Physician published the first paper on the observation of bacteria in fresh urine [2]
The first extensive description of the use of urine for diagnostic purpose came from Hippocrates, who in his prolific writing stated that bubbles on the surface of urine indicates kidney disease and long standing illness as a result of high concentration of protein [3]
Summary
Urinalysis refers to the chemical analysis of urine. It can be defined as identification or separation of ingredients of a substance. Routine urinalysis refers to (1) macroscopic analysis which includes assessment of physical characteristics and chemical analysis (2) Microscopic analysis for formed elements [1]. The significance of urinalysis in diagnostic medicine came to limelight over a century ago when William Roberts, an English Physician published the first paper on the observation of bacteria in fresh urine [2]. The analysis of urine includes physical, chemical, and microscopic examination for the diagnosis of genitourinary, metabolic, endocrine, and genetic disorder [4]. Culture result of carefully obtained urine sample is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
