Test Details: For a urinalysis, the urine sample is evaluated in three ways: visual examination, dipstick test and microscopic examination. Visual examination: A lab technician examines the urine's appearance. Urine normally has clear appearance. Cloudiness or an unusual odor can indicate a problem such as an infection. Protein in urine can make it appear foamy. Blood in the urine can make it look red or brown. Urine color can be influenced by certain food products or by certain drugs ingested. For example, beets might turn the urine red. Dipstick test: Dipstick — a thin, plastic stick with strips of chemicals on it is placed in the urine. The chemical strips change color if certain substances are present or if their levels are above normal levels. A dipstick test checks for: Acidity (pH): The pH level indicates the amount of acid in urine. The pH level might indicate a kidney or urinary tract disorder. Concentration: A higher than normal concentration often is a result of lack of hydration. Protein: Protein is usually absent in urine. Larger amounts might indicate a kidney disorder. Sugar: Any detection of sugar on this test usually calls for follow-up testing for diabetes. Ketones: Any amount of ketones detected in the urine could be a sign of diabetes and requires follow-up testing. Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a product of red blood cell breakdown. Usually, bilirubin is carried in the blood and passes into liver, where it's removed and becomes part of bile. Bilirubin in the urine might indicate liver damage or disease. Evidence of infection: Either nitrites or leukocyte esterase — a product of white blood cells in the urine might indicate a urinary tract infection. Blood: Blood in the urine requires additional testing. It may be a sign of kidney damage, infection, kidney or bladder stones, kidney or bladder cancer, or blood disorders. Microscopic examination: Performed as part of a urinalysis, this test involves viewing drops of concentrated urine, that has been centrifuged, under a microscope. If any of the following parameters are beyond normal range, additional tests might be advised: White blood cells (leukocytes) might be a sign of an infection. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) might be a sign of kidney disease, a blood disorder or another underlying medical condition, such as bladder cancer. Bacteria, yeast or parasites can indicate an infection. Casts,can be visualized in kidney disorders. Crystals that form from chemicals in urine might be a sign of kidney stones. Evaluation of the urinalysis results along with other tests can help reach a definitive diagnosis.