Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (779 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Examination of urine by chemical, physical, or microscopic means. Routine urinalysis usually includes performing chemical screening tests, determining specific gravity, observing any unusual color or odor, screening for bacteriuria, and examining the sediment microscopically.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Urinalyses.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Clinical Chemistry Tests; Diagnostic Techniques, Urological
- Narrower topics
- Urinary Sediment Analysis
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 9,988 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Urinalysis” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 1,867 of them (18.7%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 4,349 records.
Reviews account for 904 records (9.1%) and meta-analyses for 44. Randomized controlled trials number 252 (2.5%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 1,230 |
| 2000-2009 | 2,542 |
| 2010-2019 | 4,349 |
| 2020 onward | 1,867 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 904 | 9.1% |
| Meta-analyses | 44 | 0.4% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 252 | 2.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Urinalysis"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in diagnostics and medical technology
A test or device is judged by how well it detects a condition, how often it gives false alarms or misses cases, and whether using it improves outcomes for people. Accuracy depends on who is tested and how common the condition is, so a test that performs well in a specialist hospital can perform differently in the community. Check the reference standard, the population studied, the sensitivity and specificity and whether results were confirmed in a separate group.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-and-play metabolic transducers expand the chemical detection space of cell-free biosensors | 2019 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 110 | cc by PMID 30979906 · DOI · PMC6461607 |
| Urine and stone analysis for the investigation of the renal stone former: a consensus conference | 2021 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 75 | cc by PMID 33048172 · DOI · PMC7867533 |
| Urine biopsy technologies: Cancer and beyond | 2020 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 74 | cc by PMID 32685026 · DOI · PMC7359094 |
| Nitrite Dipstick Urinalysis as a Point-Of-Care Test for Sodium Nitrite Poisoning | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 41508307 · DOI · PMC12978726 |
Plug-and-play metabolic transducers expand the chemical detection space of cell-free biosensors [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Cell-free transcription-translation systems have great potential for biosensing, yet the range of detectable chemicals is limited.
- Closing excerpt
- This work provides a foundation to engineer modular cell-free biosensors tailored for many applications.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (104 words)
Cell-free transcription-translation systems have great potential for biosensing, yet the range of detectable chemicals is limited. Here we provide a workflow to expand the range of molecules detectable by cell-free biosensors through combining synthetic metabolic cascades with transcription factor-based networks. These hybrid cell-free biosensors have a fast response time, strong signal response, and a high dynamic range. In addition, they are capable of functioning in a variety of complex media, including commercial beverages and human urine, in which they can be used to detect clinically relevant concentrations of small molecules. This work provides a foundation to engineer modular cell-free biosensors tailored for many applications.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 30979906 · DOI · PMC6461607
Urine and stone analysis for the investigation of the renal stone former: a consensus conference [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The Consensus Group deliberated on a number of questions concerning urine and stone analysis over a period of months, and then met to develop consensus.
- Closing excerpt
- The Consensus Group also agreed that research has shown that evaluation of urinary crystals could be very valuable, but the Group also recognizes that existing methods for assessment of crystalluria do not allow this to be part of stone treatment in many places.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (161 words)
The Consensus Group deliberated on a number of questions concerning urine and stone analysis over a period of months, and then met to develop consensus. The Group concluded that analyses of urine and stones should be routine in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary stone diseases. At present, the 24-h urine is the most useful type of urine collection, and accepted methods for analysis are described. Patient education is also important for obtaining a proper urine sample. Graphical methods for reporting urine analysis results can be helpful both for the physician and for educating the patient as to proper dietary changes that could be beneficial. Proper analysis of stones is also essential for diagnosis and management of patients. The Consensus Group also agreed that research has shown that evaluation of urinary crystals could be very valuable, but the Group also recognizes that existing methods for assessment of crystalluria do not allow this to be part of stone treatment in many places.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 33048172 · DOI · PMC7867533
Urine biopsy technologies: Cancer and beyond [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Since the discovery of circulating tumor cells in 1869, technological advances in the study of biomarkers from liquid biopsy have made it possible to diagnose disease in a less invasive way.
- Closing excerpt
- We believe that the benefits of urine biopsy provide diagnostic development potential, which will pave opportunities for new ways to guide treatment selections and facilitate precision disease therapies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (243 words)
Since the discovery of circulating tumor cells in 1869, technological advances in the study of biomarkers from liquid biopsy have made it possible to diagnose disease in a less invasive way. Although blood-based liquid biopsy has been used extensively for the detection of solid tumors and immune diseases, the potential of urine-based liquid biopsy has not been fully explored. Advancements in technologies for the harvesting and analysis of biomarkers are providing new opportunities for the characterization of other disease types. Liquid biopsy markers such as exfoliated bladder cancer cells, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and exosomes have the potential to change the nature of disease management and care, as they allow a cost-effective and convenient mode of patient monitoring throughout treatment. In this review, we addressed the advancement of research in the field of disease detection for the key liquid biopsy markers such as cancer cells, cfDNA, and exosomes, with an emphasis on urine-based liquid biopsy. First, we highlighted key technologies that were widely available and used extensively for clinical urine sample analysis. Next, we presented recent technological developments in cell and genetic research, with implications for the detection of other types of diseases, besides cancer. We then concluded with some discussions on these areas, emphasizing the role of microfluidics and artificial intelligence in advancing point-of-care applications. We believe that the benefits of urine biopsy provide diagnostic development potential, which will pave opportunities for new ways to guide treatment selections and facilitate precision disease therapies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32685026 · DOI · PMC7359094
Nitrite Dipstick Urinalysis as a Point-Of-Care Test for Sodium Nitrite Poisoning [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundIntentional sodium nitrite poisoning is an emerging trend worldwide, as it is promoted for its use in self-euthanasia.
- Closing excerpt
- In addition, this rapid POCT shows potential as a diagnostic tool for use in acute clinical settings in cases of suspected sodium nitrite poisoning or elevated methemoglobinemia with an unknown cause.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (271 words)
BackgroundIntentional sodium nitrite poisoning is an emerging trend worldwide, as it is promoted for its use in self-euthanasia. Nitrite dipstick urinalysis could potentially serve as a rapid-diagnostic tool. Urine dipstick analysis is a common point-of-care test (POCT) for the initial diagnosis of urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was to investigate nitrite dipstick urinalysis as a potential reliable POCT for the early detection of sodium nitrate poisoning.MethodsPostmortem urine samples, collected over 1 year, were prospectively analyzed for nitrite presence using a urine dipstick method. In addition, a retrospective search was conducted in the database to identify cases with suspected or confirmed sodium nitrite poisoning as the cause of death. Available urine samples from these cases were screened for the presence of nitrite.ResultsProspectively, 10 of the 420 urine samples tested positive for nitrite presence: 6 samples without any suspicion of sodium nitrite ingestion and 4 with confirmed sodium nitrite poisoning as the cause of death. In addition, in our retrospective study, 12 cases of suspected sodium nitrite poisoning were tested for nitrite presence in the urine using the dipstick. Of these, 8 tested positive for nitrite. Two of the 12 cases were later attributed to intoxication with other substances. As a control, urine samples spiked with sodium nitrite were tested using the dipstick; the pink color intensified with increasing sodium nitrite concentration.ConclusionsNitrite dipstick urinalysis is a feasible approach for the early detection of nitrite poisoning in postmortem toxicological screening. In addition, this rapid POCT shows potential as a diagnostic tool for use in acute clinical settings in cases of suspected sodium nitrite poisoning or elevated methemoglobinemia with an unknown cause.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41508307 · DOI · PMC12978726
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Assessing hydration status: the elusive gold standard [5]
- Research article Isolation and characterization of urinary extracellular vesicles: implications for biomarker discovery [6]
- Research article Urinalysis: a comprehensive review [7]
- Research article Urine drug screening: practical guide for clinicians [8]
- Research article NMR-based metabonomic approaches for evaluating physiological influences on biofluid composition [9]
- Research article Conversion of Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio or Urine Dipstick Protein to Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio for Use in Chronic Kidney Disease Screening and Prognosis : An Individual Participant-Based Meta-analysis [10]
References
- Voyvodic PL, Pandi A, Koch M, Conejero I, Valjent E, Courtet P, et al.. Plug-and-play metabolic transducers expand the chemical detection space of cell-free biosensors. . 2019. PMID 30979906 · DOI · PMC6461607
- Williams JC, Gambaro G, Rodgers A, Asplin J, Bonny O, Costa-Bauzá A, et al.. Urine and stone analysis for the investigation of the renal stone former: a consensus conference. . 2021. PMID 33048172 · DOI · PMC7867533
- Chen CK, Liao J, Li MS, Khoo BL. Urine biopsy technologies: Cancer and beyond. . 2020. PMID 32685026 · DOI · PMC7359094
- Bethlehem C, Vleut IT, Augustijn D, Michielse J, Limmen R, Verweij JL, et al.. Nitrite Dipstick Urinalysis as a Point-Of-Care Test for Sodium Nitrite Poisoning. . 2026. PMID 41508307 · DOI · PMC12978726
- Armstrong LE. Assessing hydration status: the elusive gold standard. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007. PMID 17921468 · DOI
- Merchant ML, Rood IM, Deegens JKJ, Klein JB. Isolation and characterization of urinary extracellular vesicles: implications for biomarker discovery. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2017. PMID 29081510 · DOI · PMC5941934
- Simerville JA, Maxted WC, Pahira JJ. Urinalysis: a comprehensive review. Am Fam Physician. 2005. PMID 15791892
- Moeller KE, Lee KC, Kissack JC. Urine drug screening: practical guide for clinicians. Mayo Clin Proc. 2008. PMID 18174009 · DOI
- Bollard ME, Stanley EG, Lindon JC, Nicholson JK, Holmes E. NMR-based metabonomic approaches for evaluating physiological influences on biofluid composition. NMR Biomed. 2005. PMID 15627238 · DOI
- Sumida K, Nadkarni GN, Grams ME, Sang Y, Ballew SH, Coresh J, et al.. Conversion of Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio or Urine Dipstick Protein to Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio for Use in Chronic Kidney Disease Screening and Prognosis : An Individual Participant-Based Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2020. PMID 32658569 · DOI · PMC7780415
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.