Urinalysis is one of the oldest and most widely used laboratory tests for both screening and diagnostic purposes. The test includes gross visual analysis, chemical analysis using dipstick, and, sometimes, microscopic examination. The chemical analysis can be interpreted using an automated analyzer (sometimes done at the point of care) or by visual analysis. Microscopic examination is labor and time intensive, requiring sample preparation (centrifuging of urine and removal of supernatant) and evaluation by the clinician or laboratory personnel. Newer methods to replace microscopic examination with digital-imaging techniques are being explored. Urinalysis can provide clues to problems within the urinary tract or liver, as well as problems with metabolism, such as diabetes. Urinalysis is used in the evaluation of multiple signs and symptoms including dysuria, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, polyuria, and urine color changes. It can be used to evaluate for urinary tract problems including suspected urinary tract infection and urolithiasis.