Urine and Stool Tests: Complete Guide with Parameters & Normal Ranges.

Urine and stool tests are the basic tests recommended by any doctor. Whenever you visit a doctor for treatment of any disease related to your kidney, liver, or digestive system, it is very likely that he will get your urine and stool tested. These tests can detect kidney and liver problems, digestive disorders, and even cancers in their early stages.

1. Urine Tests

a) Routine Urine (Physical, Chemical, Microscopy)

This is a comprehensive test with multiple parameters, also known as a routine and microscopic examination.
Routine Urine Test Parameters:-

Parameter	Normal Range
Color	Pale yellow
Appearance/Clarity	Clear
pH	4.5 – 8.0
Specific Gravity	1.005 – 1.030
Protein	Negative
Glucose	Negative
Ketones	Negative
Blood (RBCs)	Negative
WBCs	0 – 5 per HPF
Bacteria	None or occasional
Casts & Crystals	Absent or occasional

· Why this test is done: This test is done for the diagnosis of kidney disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, pregnancy, and metabolic disorders.
· Fasting required? No
· Does it hurt? No
· Report time: Same day – 24 hrs
· Cost: 2-3 USD

b) Urine Culture & Sensitivity

· Why this test is done: This is a specific test to detect the specific bacteria or fungi and test which antibiotics can kill them.
· Normal Range: No growth
· Fasting: Not required
· Does it hurt? No
· Report time: 48–72 hours
· Cost: 10-20 USD

c) Microalbuminuria

· Why this test is done: To detect albumin excretion in urine. Early sign of kidney damage.
· Normal Range: <30 mg/day
· Cost: 8-10 USD
· Report time: Same day – 24 hours

d) 24-hour Urine Protein

· Parameter: Total protein loss in urine over 24 hours.
· Normal Range: <150 mg/day
· Cost: 5-10 USD
· Special Note: You’ll need to collect all urine over a 24-hour period.

e) Urine Pregnancy Test (hCG)

· Parameter: Detects hCG hormone, a hormone produced by the body only in pregnancy.
· Normal Range: Negative/Positive
· Cost: 2-3 USD
· Home test kits available: Yes

f) Drug Screening (Toxicology)

Drug screening is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of drugs and toxic substances present in the body.
·Parameters: detect presence of cannabis, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines.
· Normal Range: No drugs detected
· Cost: 12-20 USD

2. Stool Tests

Stool tests are done on stool samples to detect digestive problems. They are important for detecting gastrointestinal infections and colon cancer early.

a) Stool Routine & Microscopy

Routine Stool Test Parameters

General	General
Colour	General
consistency	Brown
Mucus	Absent
Soft, formed	Blood (Occult/Visible)
Negative	Absent or Occasional
Parasites/Ova	Absent
WBCs & RBCs	Normal Gut flora

· Why this test is done: To detect digestive disorders, infections, and bleeding in the gut due to stomach ulcers and any other reason. Black stool indicates bleeding in the gut.
· Fasting required? No
· Does it hurt? No (just sample collection)
· Report time: Same day – 24 hours
· Cost: 5-8 USD

b) Stool Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

· Parameter: Detects hidden blood in stool. Black stool indicates bleeding in the gut.
· Normal Range: Negative
· Why it’s important: To detect early signs of colon cancer or bleeding ulcers.
· Cost: 3-6 USD

c) Stool Culture & Sensitivity

· Parameter: This test is done to detect harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Shigella and checks antibiotic sensitivity.
· Cost: 5-6 USD
· Report time: 48–72 hours

d) Stool for Ova & Parasites

· Parameter: This test calculates undigested sugars in stool.
· Normal Range: <0.5 g/dL
· Cost: 3-6 USD

f) Fecal Calprotectin

· Parameter: This test calculates the calprotectin protein level to detect inflammatory bowel disease.
· Normal Range: <50 µg/g stool
· Cost: 20-40 USD

How Urine and Stool Samples Are Collected

· Urine sample: Collect the first morning urine in a clean container.
· Stool sample: Collect your stool in a clean and dry container without contamination of water or urine.
· Tip💡: Always wash your hands before and after collecting the sample to avoid contamination.

Do These Tests Hurt?

· No—both urine and stool tests are completely painless.

Reporting Time

· Most routine tests: Same day to 24 hours
· Culture tests: 48–72 hours
· Special tests (like Fecal Calprotectin): 2–5 days

Cost of Urine & Stool Tests in India

· Prices vary depending on the city, lab, and type of test.
Average cost range: 1-50 USD

😉 You can also read our Medical Tests—Complete A to Z Guide (With 100+ Tests) 😉.