What is the purpose of a urinalysis?

The primary purpose of a urinalysis is to analyze urine for signs of disease, making it a valuable diagnostic tool in clinical settings. This analysis can reveal a wide range of health conditions by detecting various components in the urine, including the presence of proteins, glucose, ketones, or white blood cells, which may indicate issues such as kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and more. By examining urinary abnormalities, healthcare providers can gain insights into a patient's overall health and guide further testing or treatment.

While other options mention relevant health metrics, their primary focus does not align with the comprehensive diagnostic scope that urinalysis provides. For example, checking blood type is a separate procedure that involves different testing methods, and assessing hydration levels may be part of urine analysis but does not encompass its broader purpose. Similarly, while measuring glucose levels can be an aspect of urinalysis, it is only one component of the entire health picture that urinalysis aims to provide. Therefore, the correct focus on analyzing urine for signs of disease captures the essence of what a urinalysis is designed to accomplish.