Metabolic Origins of Urine and Other Body Fluids

Abstract

The kidneys are multifunctional organs which serve primarily to rid the body of metabolic wastes and to form hormones along with other complex functions that aid in body fluid balance and the monitoring of levels of minerals in the body. The kidneys are complex, and in the case of loss of function, provisions must be made to replace the lost actions by means such as kidney transplant or in hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Kidneys filter the blood and remove or conserve specific products of metabolism. Otherwise, the body would not survive for any appreciable period of time.

The basic procedure called a complete urinalysis (urine analysis) provides valuable clues in determining what if any diseases of the kidney are occurring or may be imminent. The analysis includes a test to determine if excess dissolved materials are present in abnormal numbers, if the color and clarity are normal, which may be a clue to a disease state. The microscopic examination for abnormal elements formed in the kidney or present there will often yield important clues to the diagnosis of serious metabolic ailments.