What does a urinary dipstick measure?
A urinary dipstick is a simple and very helpful screening test. It is especially useful in general practice (GP). It measures several parameters in urine, including:
Here’s what each test on a urinary dipstick typically indicates:
pH: Measures urine acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH). Abnormal levels can indicate conditions like kidney stones or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Protein: Normally, urine contains little to no protein. Presence of protein (proteinuria) can indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD; especially due to diantes or rarely, glomerulonephritis). Lower levels may indicate heart failure and other diagnoses
Blood: Presence of blood in urine (haematuria) can indicate urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, some causes of CKD (e.g. glomerulonephritis), or kidney or bladder cancer (rarely)
Glucose: Normally, urine contains little to no glucose. Presence of glucose (glycosuria) can indicate diabetes (or so,e rare kidney diseases)
Ketones: Presence of ketones can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation, or a low-carb diet
Bilirubin: Presence of bilirubin in urine can indicate liver disease or bile duct obstruction
Urobilinogen: Abnormal levels can indicate liver disease, haemolytic anaemia, or bile duct obstruction
Nitrites: Presence of nitrites often indicates urinary tract infection (UTI)
Leucocytes: Presence of leucocytes (white blood cells) can indicate urinary tract infection (UTI; or inflammation)
Specific gravity: Measures urine concentration. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, overhydration, or kidney issues.
