Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
It includes a look at color and clarity, a dipstick test, and sometimes a microscope exam.
What it measures
- Color, clarity, and concentration
- Protein, glucose, ketones, and blood
- Leukocyte esterase and nitrites (signs of infection)
- Cells, crystals, and bacteria under the microscope
Why it's done
- Symptoms of a urinary tract infection
- Checkups and pregnancy visits
- Kidney disease and diabetes monitoring
- Side or back pain or blood in the urine
Getting ready and what happens
- You'll usually give a 'clean catch' sample: wipe the area, start peeing, then catch the middle part in the cup.
How the test is done
- You pee into a sterile cup at the clinic or lab.
What the results mean
Leukocytes and nitrites
Suggest a urinary tract infection, especially with symptoms. A urine culture may confirm it.
Blood
Can come from infection, kidney stones, hard exercise, menstruation, or, less often, bladder or kidney problems. Unexplained blood is usually rechecked.
Protein
Can be temporary from fever or exercise, or a sign of kidney disease.
Glucose or ketones
Can point to diabetes or, with ketones, not eating or diabetic ketoacidosis.
When a result needs quick action
Call your provider todayFever, back pain, or vomiting with urinary symptoms (possible kidney infection)
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
- Do I need a urine culture?
- Should blood or protein in my urine be rechecked?
Related conditions
Related medicines
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.