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Uric acid
(YOO-rik A-sid)
A waste product left over from normal chemical processes in the body and found in the urine and blood. Abnormal buildup of uric acid in the body may cause a condition called gout. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood and urine can be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
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Urinalysis
(YOOR-ih-NA-lih-sis)
A test that determines the content of the urine.
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Urinary tract
(YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee trakt)
The organs that make urine and remove it from the body. The urinary tract is divided into two parts. The upper urinary tract includes the kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and urethra.
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Urinary tract infection
(YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee trakt in-FEK-shun)
A condition in which bacteria invade and grow in the urinary tract (the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). Most urinary tract infections occur in the bladder or urethra. Signs and symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, blood in the urine, feeling a need to urinate often or right away, pain in the back or lower abdomen, fever, chills, and fatigue.
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Urine culture
(YOOR-in KUL-cher)
A laboratory test to check for bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms in the urine. Urine cultures can help identify the type of microorganism that is causing an infection. This helps determine the best treatment. They may be used to help diagnose urinary tract infections, such as bladder infections. They may also be done after treatment for a urinary tract infection to make sure the microorganism that caused the infection is gone.
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Urologist
(yoo-RAH-loh-jist)
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and reproductive organs in males.
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Uterus
(YOO-teh-rus)
The hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. The uterus is where a fetus (unborn baby) develops and grows. Also called womb.
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Varicella
Chicken pox, an infection caused by virus. Children with cancer may have a special problem with this infection if they have not had it before.
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Vein
(vayn)
A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart from tissues and organs in the body.
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Venous access catheter
(VEE-nus ... KA-theh-ter)
A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a large vein, usually in the arm, chest, or leg. It is used to give intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy and other drugs, and for taking blood samples. It avoids the need for repeated needle sticks.
