The urine is analyzed to determine a number of things including how concentrated it is through Specific Gravity, which tells us how “heavy” it is compared to water. The pH is very important because it is a good measure of how acidic or alkaline the tissues of the body are. WBC Esterase tells us whether there are white blood cells in the urine and Occult Blood indicates the presence of blood (may be due to menstruation). Nitrite is a sign of infection, while Glucose in the urine may indicate diabetes. Ketones can also indicate diabetes, but may be due to a low carbohydrate diet or fasting. Protein may “leak” through the kidney and show a possible weakness in that organ. Bilirubin is normally eliminated through the bile and its presence in the urine may be an early sign of liver problems. Urobilinogen is a by-product of intestinal activity and may suggest a lack of proper bowel flora. A microscopic examination is used, if indicated, to confirm suspicious findings of the basic urinalysis.