A urinalysis checks your urine in three ways: how it looks, a dipstick that changes colour for different substances, and sometimes a look under the microscope.
Many results are simply "negative" when all is well. A single positive line is common and often harmless, for example from a sample that was not collected cleanly, so it is usually repeated before drawing conclusions.
Every lab sets its own normal range, based on its equipment and the people it tests. Always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.
Why this test is done
- Signs of a urine infection: burning, needing to go often, cloudy or smelly urine
- Routine check, pregnancy, or before surgery
- Checking kidney health, diabetes or blood in the urine
What each result means
Specific gravity
How concentrated your urine is.
Typical adult range: About 1.005 to 1.030.
If high: Concentrated urine, often from not drinking enough.
If low: Very diluted urine, often from drinking a lot.
pH
How acidic your urine is.
Typical adult range: About 4.5 to 8.
If high: Can be linked to some infections or diets.
If low: Can be linked to diet or some conditions.
Protein
Protein leaking into the urine.
Typical adult range: Negative or trace.
If high: Can follow exercise, fever or stress. Repeated protein can be a sign of kidney problems.
Glucose
Sugar in the urine.
Typical adult range: Negative.
If high: Often a sign that blood sugar is high, as in diabetes. Some diabetes medicines cause it on purpose.
Ketones
Made when the body burns fat for energy.
Typical adult range: Negative.
If high: Can come from fasting, very low-carb diets or vomiting. With diabetes and high sugar, ketones need urgent advice.
Blood(haemoglobin, RBC)
Red blood cells in the urine.
Typical adult range: Negative; under about 3 red cells per high-power field.
If high: Can come from a period, hard exercise, infection or kidney stones. Blood that stays needs checking, especially in older adults.
Nitrite
Made by many bacteria that cause urine infections.
Typical adult range: Negative.
If high: Positive nitrite suggests a bacterial infection.
Leukocyte esterase(leukocytes, WBC)
A sign of white blood cells in the urine.
Typical adult range: Negative; under about 5 white cells per high-power field.
If high: Suggests inflammation, most often from a urine infection.
Before the test
- Use a clean-catch, midstream sample if asked: clean the area, pass a little urine first, then collect the middle part.
- Tell the lab if you are on your period.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Does this suggest an infection, and do I need a urine culture?
- Should the test be repeated with a fresh sample?
- Do I need a kidney blood test or a urine albumin test?
When to get help fast: Get urgent care for fever with back or side pain, vomiting, confusion, or if you cannot pass urine. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Urinalysis
- MedlinePlus: Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio
- MedlinePlus: How to understand your lab results
This guide is general information written in plain words. It is not medical advice and has not been reviewed by a doctor for your situation. Read our medical disclaimer.