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Urine Dipstick Test
A urine dipstick is a quick test using a chemical strip to check urine for signs of infection, blood, protein, sugar and other markers.
Quick answer
Urine Dipstick Test: what it is and what the results mean
A urine dipstick (urinalysis) uses a plastic strip with chemical pads that change colour when dipped in urine. Each pad checks for a different substance, such as blood, protein, glucose, ketones, and signs of infection.
- Why it is done: It is a rapid first-line test used to investigate suspected urinary tract infections, check for kidney problems, screen for diabetes, assess dehydration, and as part of many routine and pregnancy checks.
- Understanding results: The pattern of results guides the next step: signs of infection may prompt a urine culture, protein or blood may prompt kidney tests, and glucose may prompt diabetes checks.
What it is
A urine dipstick (urinalysis) uses a plastic strip with chemical pads that change colour when dipped in urine. Each pad checks for a different substance, such as blood, protein, glucose, ketones, and signs of infection.
Why it is done
It is a rapid first-line test used to investigate suspected urinary tract infections, check for kidney problems, screen for diabetes, assess dehydration, and as part of many routine and pregnancy checks.
What to expect
You provide a urine sample in a pot; a strip is dipped in and compared with a colour chart, giving results within a minute or two, often in the clinic.
Understanding the results
The pattern of results guides the next step: signs of infection may prompt a urine culture, protein or blood may prompt kidney tests, and glucose may prompt diabetes checks. It is a screening test, so abnormal results are usually confirmed.
Good to know
Risks and limitations
It is completely safe and quick but not definitive: it can give false positives and negatives, and abnormal results usually need confirming with laboratory tests such as a culture or blood tests.
Education and reference only. This explains the test in general terms and is not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from the team arranging your test, and discuss your results with your clinician.
Answers
Urine Dipstick Test: frequently asked questions
Is a dipstick enough to diagnose a urine infection?
It gives a quick indication, but a positive dipstick is often confirmed with a laboratory urine culture, especially in pregnancy, children, men, or recurrent or complicated infections.
Why is my urine checked at antenatal appointments?
A dipstick can pick up early signs of conditions such as pre-eclampsia (protein) and infection or diabetes (glucose), so it is a simple, routine safety check during pregnancy.
Related tests
Other other investigations
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — diagnostic guidance
- Association for Laboratory Medicine / relevant professional body
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