What is the primary component of urine tested in a routine urinalysis?

In a routine urinalysis, a comprehensive assessment of several components is conducted to evaluate kidney function and overall health. Among the components typically tested, specific gravity, glucose, protein, and ketones are analyzed to provide insights into metabolic and renal conditions.

Specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in urine, which can indicate hydration levels and kidney concentrating ability. Glucose presence can suggest diabetes or renal threshold issues, while protein levels are assessed to detect kidney pathology, as excessive protein in urine can indicate glomerular damage. Ketones can appear in conditions of prolonged fasting, uncontrolled diabetes, or metabolic disorders.

Thus, while urea, creatinine, and individual elements such as protein have their importance, the option reflecting a combination of critical indicators of health—glucose, protein, ketones, and specific gravity—captures the breadth of abnormal findings that can be identified in a routine urinalysis, making it the most appropriate choice.