What role does urine color play in urinalysis?

Urine color plays a significant role in urinalysis primarily by providing clues about hydration status. The color of urine can vary depending on a person's hydration levels; for instance, well-hydrated individuals typically have light yellow or straw-colored urine, while dehydrated individuals may have darker, more concentrated urine. This variation in color serves as a quick visual indicator of whether a person is adequately hydrated or may need to increase their fluid intake.

While urine color can reflect other factors, such as dietary influences or the presence of certain medications, its primary diagnostic use in evaluating hydration status is well-established. It does not directly indicate specific gravity, pH levels, or the presence of glucose, all of which require specific tests and measurements beyond just visual inspection of urine color.