The routine analysis of a urine specimen is a simple, noninvasive diagnostic test that provides a health-care provider with a window to a patient's health. Many significant conditions may be noted with the assessment of the physical, chemical, and microscopic examinations of a patient's specimen. This chapter reviews the function of the urinary system and the formation of urine. You will learn about various types of urine specimens and howto properly instruct or assist patients with the collection of these specimens. Additionally, you will learn howto correctly process a specimen, including a random specimen and a chain of custody drug screen. You will learn to identify normal and abnormal constituents of urine samples and what may cause these abnormal elements to be present in a specimen.