Final answer:
True, urinalysis is used as both a screening tool for early detection of diseases and a diagnostic test for symptomatic patients, involving evaluations like urine culture and microscopic examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, urinalysis should indeed be used as both a screening and sick patient test. Urinalysis is a common urine test used to diagnose diseases by analyzing the urine by sight and smell, with simple urine test strips, and through more extensive testing if specific disorders are suspected. For illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinalysis involves the chemical detection of substances such as leukocyte esterase (LE) or nitrites, followed by a urine culture if results are positive.
The process of urine culture includes using media like blood agar and MacConkey agar to grow any present bacteria, helping to identify the most effective antibiotics for treatment. Additionally, urinalysis may involve a microscopic examination to identify abnormal substances such as white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, and crystals.
When utilized as a screening test, urinalysis helps in early detection of kidney and urinary tract diseases by assessing physical, chemical, and microscopic properties. Conversely, as a test for sick patients, urinalysis aids in pinpointing the diagnosis of current symptoms, contributing to a thorough medical evaluation.
Therefore, urinalysis is an essential test both for routine health screenings and for diagnosing specific problems in symptomatic individuals.