What is a primary reason for using urinalysis in routine examinations?

The primary reason for using urinalysis in routine examinations is that urine contains extensive information about metabolic functions. Urinalysis provides critical insights into an individual's health status by revealing the presence of various substances that can indicate metabolic, kidney, and systemic conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, urinary tract infections, and other metabolic disorders can often be detected through abnormalities in urine composition, such as changes in pH, glucose, protein levels, and the presence of ketones or blood.

Collecting urine is generally more straightforward than many other bodily fluids, which makes it a practical choice for routine screening. While urine is not sterile under normal circumstances, the information gleaned from it far outweighs these considerations. Thus, urinalysis serves as an essential tool in clinical settings for early detection of potential health issues, monitoring existing conditions, and guiding treatment decisions.