A urine dipstick test, also known as a urinalysis, is one of the most common medical screening tools.
It is a rapid test used to detect various substances in the urine that may indicate underlying health issues, ranging from dehydration to kidney disease.
The test involves dipping a thin plastic strip treated with chemical pads into a fresh urine sample. Within 60 to 120 seconds, the pads change color based on the presence of specific substances.
A dipstick test is a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis. If a pad changes color, your doctor will likely send the sample to a laboratory for a formal “culture and sensitivity” or “microscopy” test.
1. Blood (Haematuria)
Normal: Negative.
What it means: Small amounts of blood can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, or inflammation.
Caution: The test is very sensitive; 10% of healthy people may test positive for trace blood without having a disease. In women, menstruation can also cause a false positive.
2. Protein (Proteinuria)
Normal: Negative or “Trace.”
What it means: Persistent protein (especially 3+ or higher) is a hallmark of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or damage to the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli).
Pregnancy: In pregnant women, protein in the urine can be an early warning sign of pre-eclampsia.
3. Glucose (Sugar)
Normal: Negative.
What it means: Glucose in the urine is often the first sign of Type 2 Diabetes.
Medication Note: If you take SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g. Dapagliflozin), finding glucose in your urine is normal, as these drugs work by flushing sugar out through the kidneys.
4. Nitrites and Leucocytes (White Blood Cells)
Normal: Negative.
What it means: If both are positive, it is a strong indicator of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
Pro Tip: For the most accurate nitrite result, use “first-morning urine” that has been in the bladder for at least four hours.
5. Ketones
Normal: Negative.
What it means: Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of sugar. High levels can indicate Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency, or can occur during fasting or pregnancy.
6. Bilirubin and Urobilinogen
Normal: Negative or very low.
What it means: Presence of these chemicals typically suggests liver disease or issues with the gallbladder (such as bile duct obstruction).
Doctors use urine dipsticks for several reasons:
Routine Screening: During pregnancy or before surgery.
Monitoring: Checking the progression of known kidney disease or diabetes.
Diagnosis: Investigating symptoms like abdominal pain, back pain, frequent urination, or blood in the urine.
| Substance | Main Concern if Positive |
| Blood | UTI, Stones, or Kidney Disease |
| Protein | Kidney damage (CKD) or Pre-eclampsia |
| Glucose | Diabetes |
| Nitrites | Bacterial Infection (UTI) |
| Ketones | Uncontrolled Diabetes or Fasting |
| Bilirubin | Liver or Gallbladder issues |
1. Can I do a urine dipstick test at home?
Yes, kits are available over-the-counter. However, interpreting the results can be tricky. You should always discuss a positive result with a healthcare professional to avoid unnecessary worry or missed diagnoses.
2. Does a “Trace” protein result mean I have kidney disease?
Not necessarily. Intense exercise, dehydration, or a fever can cause temporary “trace” protein. A doctor will usually look for a persistent positive result over several weeks.
3. Why do I need to send my urine to the lab if the dipstick is already positive?
The dipstick tells us that something is there, but the lab tells us exactly what it is. For example, a lab test can identify the specific bacteria causing an infection and which antibiotic will kill it.
4. Can vitamins affect the test?
Yes. Taking high doses of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can sometimes interfere with the chemical pads, leading to false-negative results for glucose or blood.
NHS: Urinalysis and UTI Testing – UK guidance on when and why urine is tested.
National Kidney Foundation: Urinalysis – US clinical perspective on kidney health and urine testing.
Lab Tests Online: Urine Study – Detailed breakdown of every chemical marker on a dipstick.
Kidney Blood & Urine Tests: A Guide to Your Results and When to Seek Help Understanding your kidney lab results can be overwhelming. Most kidney issues are “silent,” meaning you won&rs...
Bladder Cancer : 5 Common Signs and When to See a Doctor Bladder cancer is a highly treatable condition, especially when identified in its early stages. It begins in the urothelial cells that line the...
How Many People Are on Dialysis or Have a Kidney Transplant in the UK? Nearly 73,000 adults in the UK are receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT) for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). ‘KRT&rsq...
Specific questions to ask your doctor at your next CKD check-up Preparing for a kidney-related appointment can feel overwhelming, especially since the data (like GFR and ACR) can be technical. Here is...
