Chyle in Urine Test: Why and How is it Done?

Chyle in urine test or urine chyle test is a medical test that is recommended to diagnose chyluria. Chyluria is a condition that occurs when your urine turns milky white in color. The change in the urine color is because of the leakage of lymphatic fluid from the intestines into the kidneys.

Chyle is an odorless lymphatic liquid that is produced in the small intestine while processing food and is moved to other parts of the body through lymphatic vessels, part of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic fluid is composed of proteins and fats and white blood cells. The liquid is also helpful to have a healthy immune system. A leak in the lymphatic system is termed a chyle leak. This occurs mainly because of injury or parasitic infection. It may also occur due to surgical procedures.

The urine turning milky white in color is the main symptom of chyluria. Other symptoms of the condition include excess urination, pain while passing the urine, and the presence of blood in the urine.

The condition is serious and needs immediate treatment. If left untreated, the condition may lead to several other complications. Chyluria is classified into two main types – parasitic and non-parasitic.

It is a common condition prevalent in Africa and the Indian subcontinent. It is mostly seen in men than women.

Why is this done?

Your doctor may recommend a urine chyle test if your urine appears milky.

The test may also recommend if you experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Change in the color of the urine
• Excess urination
• Pain while passing the urine
• Presence of blood in the urine
• Severe backache
• Sudden weight loss

Prerequisites

• There’s no preparation required to perform the test. Inform your doctor if you recently had an infection or have a history of infection.
• Inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take. There are several medications and supplements that might influence the results. If you take any medications or supplements that might influence the results, your doctor may ask you to stop taking the drug or supplements or change their dosages for a while.
• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications.
• Inform your doctor about your existing health conditions and medical history.
• Based on the above-mentioned information and several other factors, your doctor may recommend any special instructions you need to follow.
• Vitamin C may influence your results. Avoid the consumption of supplements or foods laden with vitamin C.

Understanding Results

If your urine chyle test results indicate fat content less than 10 mg/dL, it means normal. While fat levels more than 10 mg/dL are an indication of chyluria.

When should it be repeated?

Your doctor may recommend repeating the test if:

• You are undergoing any treatment for chyluria. This repeat test will help the doctor to check the effectiveness of the treatment.
• He/she suspects the results to be falsely positive or negative.

How is the procedure done?

Since this is a urine test, you will have to provide a urine sample to your pathologist for the test. Your doctor may help you with the procedure you need to follow to collect the urine sample.

Following is the correct way to collect the urine sample:

• Before collecting your urine sample for the test, make sure you wash your hands properly.
• Using clean wipes men must clean the penis, while women must clean their vaginal area.
• Do not collect the first and last few drops of your urine.
• Collect the urine sample mid-stream in a container provided by your doctor/pathologist.
• Seal the container properly.
• Clean your hands thoroughly.
• Submit the urine sample to the laboratory for analysis.

Await results and follow your doctor’s advice if you receive confirmation of chyluria.

For more urological health tips and information, check out this page.