How do you read a urine dipstick?
Table of Contents
How do you read a urine dipstick?
Inspect the clarity of the urine:
- Clear urine: this is normal for healthy, well-hydrated individuals.
- Cloudy urine with sediment: may indicate urinary tract infection, renal stones, high protein content (e.g. nephrotic syndrome).
- Frothy urine: typically associated with significant proteinuria (e.g. nephrotic syndrome).
What are the normal ranges for a urine dipstick?
Reference Ranges: Urine Dipstick
pH | 5-9 |
---|---|
Specific Gravity | 1.003-1.030 |
Leukocyte Esterase | Negative |
Nitrite | Negative |
Protein | Negative |
What do urinalysis results look like?
Urine is typically clear. Cloudiness or an unusual odor can indicate a problem, such as an infection. Protein in urine can make it appear foamy. Blood in the urine can make it look red or brown.
Would a kidney infection show up in a urine test?
To confirm that you have a kidney infection, you’ll likely be asked to provide a urine sample to test for bacteria, blood or pus in your urine. Your doctor might also take a blood sample for a culture — a lab test that checks for bacteria or other organisms in your blood.
What does it mean if you have leukocytes and Nitrite in your urine?
A urine sample that tests positive for both nitrate and leukocyte esterase should be cultured for pathogenic bacteria. These tests are indirect ways of detecting bacteria in the urine. Significant urinary tract infections may be present in patients who do not experience other symptoms.
What do leukocytes in urine mean?
Leukocyte esterase is a screening test used to detect a substance that suggests there are white blood cells in the urine. This may mean you have a urinary tract infection. If this test is positive, the urine should be examined under a microscope for white blood cells and other signs that point to an infection.
How can you tell if a UTI has spread to kidneys?
Symptoms
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Back, side (flank) or groin pain.
- Abdominal pain.
- Frequent urination.
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate.
- Burning sensation or pain when urinating.
- Nausea and vomiting.