At-home urinalysis

Dipsticks may react to substances such as blood, protein, glucose, ketones, acidity markers, or indicators associated with inflammation. The exact pads and reading method vary by product, so use the supplied chart and timing instructions.

An abnormal pad is a clue rather than a diagnosis. Menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, dehydration, strenuous activity, medicines, supplements, and sample contamination can affect findings. Different health conditions can also produce the same dipstick change.

Urinary tract infection may present with burning, urgency, frequent urination, or lower abdominal discomfort, but symptoms and properly collected clinical tests guide diagnosis. Kidney infection can present with fever, side or back pain, nausea, and feeling markedly unwell.

Check the expiry date, wash your hands, and collect a clean midstream sample in a clean container if the instructions specify one. Avoid touching the test pads, read each pad at its stated time, and record the result before discarding the strip.

Contact a clinician for a positive or repeatedly abnormal finding, especially when symptoms are present. They may request a laboratory sample or other tests. Do not take leftover antibiotics; the cause may not be bacterial, and medicine selection requires assessment.

Seek prompt medical advice for visible blood in urine, persistent painful urination, difficulty passing urine, or symptoms that worsen despite fluids and rest. Pregnancy, childhood, recurrent infections, kidney disease, or reduced immunity also warrant clinician-led testing.

Get urgent help for fever with pain in the side or back, vomiting that prevents drinking, confusion, severe weakness, or inability to pass urine. Act on these warning signs even if a home strip looks normal.

Ask whether you need urine microscopy, culture, blood tests, or repeat sampling. Mention the dipstick brand, collection method, symptoms, medicines, supplements, menstrual timing, and any previous urinary or kidney problems.