Summary

• Urine dipstick tests check your urine and give useful information about your general health or help in diagnosing health problems.
• They give quick results and can be used in the hospital, surgery or clinic without the need to send your sample to the lab.
• They are made of plastic strips with squares that change colour depending on what’s in your urine. Your sample can also be checked by looking at it under a microscope or by using an automated analyser.
• If anything unusual is found, your medical team can arrange further testing for a more accurate and detailed diagnosis.

What is urinalysis

Your urine is made of water containing substances that are the waste products from the normal functions of your body. Your kidneys make urine when they filter your blood. In some health conditions there are substances in your urine that shouldn’t be there or are there in higher amounts than they should be.

Urinalysis assesses the appearance, concentration and content of your urine to help detect a wide range of health conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, and diabetes. It might be part of a routine health check or used to investigate specific symptoms.

In a dipstick analysis test, a thin plastic strip is dipped into a sample of your urine. The strip has bands or squares that change colour if certain substances are present or present in high concentrations. If something unusual is found, it can lead to further tests.

In some cases, a microscope or automated urinalysis analyser is also used to examine the sample more closely. 

Why get tested?

You are most likely to have a dipstick test:

• in hospital.
• before surgery.
• as part of a routine check-up with your GP or health clinic.
• if you have specific symptoms such as a UTI.
• to monitor your health if you have an ongoing condition such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Types of urinalysis

1. Visual examination: This looks at the colour and clarity of the urine, which can provide initial clues about your health. The colour may change due to certain foods, medications, or illness.
2. Chemical examination (dipstick test): A plastic strip with chemical pads is used to test for substances like sugar, protein, and nitrites, which provide information about potential diseases.
3. Microscopic examination: Drops of urine are looked at under a microscope to check for cells, bacteria, and other components that could signal illness. Often, an automated urinalysis analyser is used to do this instead.

What does the dipstick test check for?

• Acidity (pH): unusual pH levels can suggest kidney problems or kidney stones.
• Concentration (specific gravity): this shows how concentrated your urine is, helping to assess hydration or kidney function.
• Protein: high levels can indicate a kidney problem.
• Glucose: if there is any glucose (sugar) in your urine you may need further tests for diabetes.
• Ketones: these can be an early warning of diabetes.
• Nitrites/leukocyte esterase: these are signs of a possible UTI.
• Blood: this could indicate a UTI, kidney stones, or, in rare cases, more serious conditions like cancer.

Microscopic examination is done by looking at several drops of urine under a microscope or more likely with automated urinalysis analyser. This looks for:

• White blood cells (also called pus cells or leukocytes): increased numbers of these may be a sign of infection.
• Red blood cells (erythrocytes): an increase may indicate kidney disease, blood disorder or other conditions such as bladder cancer.
• Bacteria or yeasts: these may indicate infection if you have symptoms.
• Casts: these are tube shaped proteins that indicate a possible kidney disorder.
• Crystals: these may be a sign of kidney stones.

Having the test

Sample

Urine.

The sample can be collected at any time unless your doctor specifies otherwise. The first morning sample is the most useful because it is more concentrated.

It is important to collect a mid-stream (clean catch) urine sample if a UTI is suspected. This is to reduce the chance of contamination by the normal bacteria that is on the skin.

Any preparation?

There is usually no special preparation for a urine test. However, you may be asked to avoid certain foods or medicines that could affect the results.

At home kits are available at pharmacies for testing pH, glucose, and ketones. However, it's best to discuss the results with your doctor, clinic or pharmacist.

Your results

Results from dipstick tests are usually immediate. If there is an abnormal result, the sample might be sent to a laboratory for further testing, which can take some time depending on what needs to be analysed.

Your dipstick urinalysis results will need to be assessed in the context of your symptoms and overall health. The results can have many interpretations. Dipstick urinalysis alone usually does not provide a definite diagnosis but helps clarify which further tests you may need.  

Questions to ask your doctor

The choice of tests your doctor makes will be based on your medical history and symptoms. It is important that you tell them everything you think might help.

You play a central role in making sure your test results are accurate. Do everything you can to make sure the information you provide is correct and follow instructions closely.

Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Find out if you need to fast or stop any particular foods or supplements. These may affect your results. Ask:

• Why does this test need to be done?
• Do I need to prepare (such as fast or avoid medications) for the sample collection?
• Will an abnormal result mean I need further tests?
• How could it change the course of my care?
• What will happen next, after the test?

More information

Pathology and diagnostic imaging reports can be added to your My Health Record.

You and your healthcare provider can now access your results whenever and wherever needed. Get further trustworthy health information and advice from healthdirect.