What should you know about a urine stick test?

A dipstick is placed in a fresh urine sample and its reagent pads change colour. Depending on the strip, it can screen for blood, protein, glucose, ketones, acidity, concentration, and chemical signs associated with infection. A positive pad is a clue, not a diagnosis. Menstrual blood, concentrated urine, exercise, dehydration, cleaning products, and some medicines can affect findings. Nitrite or white-cell results may support a urinary tract infection, but symptoms and sometimes a culture are needed.

Use the container and collection method provided, avoid touching its inside, and deliver the sample as instructed. Tell the clinician about menstruation, pregnancy, recent exercise, urinary symptoms, and medicines. Do not start [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) solely because a home strip changes colour. A formal [Urine Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/urine-test/) can clarify uncertain findings.

Contact a clinician promptly for painful urination with fever, side or back pain, vomiting, visible blood, inability to pass urine, or feeling very unwell. Fever and side pain may occur with a [Kidney Infection](/conditions/kidney-infection/). Confusion, faintness, or severe weakness needs urgent help.

Ask which pads were abnormal, whether the sample should be repeated, and whether you need microscopy, culture, glucose testing, or kidney blood tests. Ask which symptoms mean you should return quickly.