ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ROUTINE URINALYSIS FINDINGS AND URINE PREGNANCY TEST RESULTS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Abstract

Urinalysis and urine pregnancy testing (UPT) are routinely performed diagnostic procedures in women of reproductive age; however, their potential association remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between routine urine examination (RUE) findings and urine pregnancy test results among females of reproductive age. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 100 urine samples collected from females undergoing both urinalysis and UPT. Routine urinalysis included physical, chemical, and microscopic examination, while UPT was performed using standard qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The findings demonstrated a high prevalence of urinary abnormalities, with 91% of participants showing features suggestive of urinary tract infection (UTI). Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between routine urine parameters—including proteinuria, pus cells, hematuria, leukocyte esterase, nitrite, and bacteriuria—and UPT results (Spearman’s ρ < .15, p > .05). The only variable significantly associated with positive UPT was amenorrhea (OR = 5.68, p < .001), highlighting its importance as a primary clinical indicator of pregnancy. These results indicate that routine urinalysis findings are not reliable predictors of pregnancy status. Although urinalysis is essential for diagnosing urinary tract infections and other renal conditions, it should not be used as a substitute for pregnancy testing. Urine pregnancy tests remain the gold standard for detecting pregnancy, and their interpretation should be supported by clinical history and confirmatory investigations when necessary.