The importance of urine screening is that it provides information about different aspects of the body. Urine screening should be done before planning conception so as to rule out any infection or to seek medical intervention for the infection. Urine screening as the name suggests is done with a urine sample. Let us know the importance of urine screening in detail, read on.

Urine screening is a very holistic test that can provide information regarding a whole lot of different aspects of the body. These aspects can collectively impact the well-being of the mother and the child. Herein lays the importance of going for the urine screening before planning a pregnancy. First it is important to understand the manner in which the urine tests can be helpful.

Objective of Urine Screening

Customarily any variant of bladder and/or kidney infection can be detected through the urine test. One can also derive information regarding diabetes, dehydration along with preeclampsia through the screening. Further, you also get to know about the status of your bacteria, ketones, and protein and sugar levels. These are factors that play a major role in determining the success of the pregnancy along with the health of the fetus and baby in his later life.

How is The Test Done?

A sample of urine is collected by the clinician for screening. It is particularly known as the culture and sensitivity test, the primary objective of this test is to find whether the individual is suffering or is likely to suffer from a urinary tract infection. The importance of the screening lies in the fact that the individual can suffer from an infection even if she is not displaying any symptoms whatsoever. A dipstick test is done in the laboratory itself and the results are obtained pretty quickly. 

Therefore, a screening gives you the opportunity to seek medical advice in curing the infection before planning conception, as an infection can give rise to whole lot of other complications related to successful conception and delivery.

What Are The Implications or The Findings of Urine Screening Test?

 Following are the implications or the findings of urine screening test.

Excess Sugar

It is considered normal to have a certain amount of sugar in the urine during pregnancy. But if you find the levels to be too high before conception, it is a cause of concern as it indicates the possibility of gestational diabetes. Under these circumstances, the doctor usually suggests a glucose challenge test to get a perfect hang of the state. Accordingly, medications are prescribed so that the situation is near to normal during the pregnancy term.

Excess Protein

High protein indicates that there can be a urinary tract infection. It may also be an indication of probable kidney damage along with a host of other disorders. If conception and pregnancy occurs in such a situation, it indicates that the woman might develop preeclampsia. The situation can get even worse as this is usually accompanied with high blood pressure. If it is found that the blood pressure is normal despite the presence of high levels of protein, the sample is sent for further culture in order to ascertain whether this indeed is a condition for urinary tract infection.

Excess Ketones

When the stored and ingested fat in the body begins to degenerate, there is an excess of ketones in the urine. This is the fat that is stored in the body for energy. The body begins to break them down when there is not enough carbohydrate. Usually carbs are the real source of energy and when there is a lack of carbs in the diet; ketones are released and are found in the urine.

Doctors suggest this test when the individual is suffering from severe nausea accompanied with weight loss. This is a serious condition as the situation can be controlled only through medication and administering intravenous fluids. It is a sure indication of diabetes if ketones are found along with high sugar levels.

Presence of Bacteria or Blood Cells