What should you know about a urinalysis strip?

A positive blood or protein pad may need confirmation because exercise, contamination, dehydration or a urinary problem can affect the reading. Nitrites or white-cell activity can support suspicion of a urinary tract infection, while a negative strip does not exclude every infection. Glucose or ketones may prompt assessment of blood sugar and general health. The appearance of a strip result should be read with your symptoms, medicines, medical history and the quality of the sample.

Follow the collection instructions and use a clean sample container. Tell the clinician if you are menstruating, have recently exercised, or take medicines that may alter urine colour. Depending on the finding, the next step may be a laboratory urine test, microscopy, culture or blood testing. Do not start leftover antibiotics based only on a home strip; treatment should match the suspected cause.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for visible blood, burning with urination that persists, new swelling, or repeated abnormal results. Seek urgent care for fever with side or back pain, vomiting, confusion, severe weakness, or difficulty passing urine, as these can signal a more serious urinary problem.

Ask which pad was abnormal, whether the sample should be repeated, and whether a laboratory test or culture is needed. You can also ask what symptoms would change the plan and when to expect the result.