What does each part of the dipstick test mean?

In our previous article, we talked about how to do a DIY urine dipstick test. We also talked about the warning signs and when you should see a doctor. Here we break down the individual parts of the urine dipstick test and tell you what those results mean. If you missed our previous article, you can read about it here.

Waiting time: 60 seconds
Results to expect: less than 1mg/dl)

• It is normal for your urine to contain some urobilinogen. Too little or no urobilinogen in your urine can mean your liver is not functioning well.
• This test is only one measure of your liver function. If your doctor thinks you might have a liver disease, you’ll have to get additional urine and blood tests.

Waiting time: 30 seconds
Results to expect: Negative

• Glucose is not normally in the urine.
• Positive urine glucose test results could indicate diabetes or renal glycosuria and a follow-up test for diabetes must be made.

Waiting time: 30 seconds
Results to expect: Negative

• Bilirubin in the urine is an early indication of liver disease. It could be hepatitis, a blockage in the liver drainage system, or a problem with your general liver function.

Waiting time: 40 seconds
Results to expect: Negative

• Measures ketone levels in your urine.
• The presence of ketones in the urine suggests increased fatty acid metabolism, which occurs during starvation and in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Waiting time: 45 seconds
Results to expect: at 1.000, normal range 1.002 – 1.035

• Causes of low specific gravity include conditions that result in the production of dilute urine, i.e. diabetes insipidus and acute tubular necrosis.
• Causes of high specific gravity include dehydration, glycosuria (e.g. diabetes mellitus) and proteinuria (e.g. nephrotic syndrome).
  

Waiting time: 60 seconds
Results to expect: Negative

• Blood in the urine may indicate Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), kidney stones, cancers of the urinary tract, nephritic syndrome and/or strenuous exercise.
• False-positive reactions due to menstrual contamination may be seen.

Waiting time: 60 seconds
Results to expect: 5, normal range 4.5 – 8

• Causes of low urinary pH include starvation, diabetic ketoacidosis and other conditions that cause metabolic acidosis (e.g. sepsis, high protein diet).
• Causes of high urinary pH include urinary tract infection, conditions that cause metabolic alkalosis (e.g. vomiting) and medications (e.g. diuretics).

Waiting time: 60 seconds
Results to expect: Negative

• Causes for protein in urine include nephritic syndrome and chronic kidney disease.
• This test can also be used to monitor kidney status in persons who are already diagnosed with kidney diseases.

Waiting time: 60 seconds
Results to expect:: Negative

• Nitrites in the urine are suggestive of urinary tract infection.

Waiting time: 2 minutes
Results to expect: Negative

• The detection of white blood cells (WBCs) in the urine may be a sign of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
• Kidney stones or a blockage in the urinary tract can also cause more leukocytes to be in your urine.