An abnormal urinalysis may indicate disease of which organ of the body?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Bladder
• D. Lungs

Answer: (D)

An abnormal urinalysis most directly points to issues with the kidneys and the urinary tract. Urine reflects what the kidneys filter and excrete, so findings like protein in the urine, blood, white cells, bacteria, or abnormal sediment commonly indicate kidney disease, glomerular or tubular problems, or infection of the urinary tract, which can involve the bladder. The lungs don’t influence urine composition, so UA results aren’t used to diagnose lung disease. Liver problems can sometimes alter urine components (for example, bilirubin or urobilinogen), but these are not the primary interpretation of a urinalysis. So the organ most likely indicated by an abnormal urinalysis is the kidneys (and the urinary tract).