--- title: "Urine test (urinalysis): What to Expect | HealthAnswers" description: "A urine test, or urinalysis, checks a urine sample for infection, blood, protein and glucose using a dipstick test or laboratory culture method." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/urine-test/ robots: noindex --- # Urine test (urinalysis): What to Expect | HealthAnswers Tests & investigations A urine test, or urinalysis, checks a urine sample for infection, blood, protein and glucose using a dipstick test or laboratory culture method. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is a urine test? A urine test, also called urinalysis, checks a urine sample for infection, blood, protein, glucose and other markers using a dipstick at the GP surgery or a laboratory culture. A mid-stream clean-catch sample gives the most accurate result. It helps diagnose UTIs, kidney disease and diabetes. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Urine test (urinalysis), including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about the urine test - A dipstick urine test gives quick results during an appointment. - A mid-stream urine sample is sent for culture if infection is suspected. - Protein in the urine may indicate an underlying kidney problem. - Blood found in the urine always needs further investigation. - Pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG hormone in urine. ## Uses of a urine test A urine test, or urinalysis, is used for screening and diagnosis across a wide range of conditions. It is a simple, non-invasive test that can be carried out quickly in a GP surgery or clinic. ## How to collect a urine sample A clean-catch mid-stream sample helps reduce contamination and gives the most reliable result. A morning sample is sometimes preferred, since urine tends to be more concentrated at this time. ## Common findings on a urine test Nitrites and leucocytes found on a dipstick usually point towards a urine infection. Blood or protein in the urine can indicate a problem with the kidneys or bladder that needs further assessment. ## Follow-up after a urine test Depending on what the test finds, you may need a repeat sample or further imaging to investigate the cause. If blood is found in the urine without an obvious explanation, this is usually followed up through a microscopic haematuria pathway. ## ! When to speak to a doctor about the urine test A GP will request urine tests as needed as part of an assessment. See a GP if you have painful urination or notice blood in your urine. Call **111** for urgent advice if you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about the urine test How do you collect a urine sample for testing? You should collect a mid-stream sample into a sterile pot, cleaning the area first and discarding the first part of the stream. This technique, known as clean-catch, helps reduce contamination and gives a more accurate result. Is trace protein in urine normal? A minor trace of protein in urine can be benign and is not always a cause for concern. However, persistent protein in repeated samples needs further assessment by a GP. What does glucose in urine mean? Glucose in the urine suggests that blood sugar levels may be higher than normal. Further tests are usually needed to check for diabetes. How long do urine culture results take? A urine culture identifies the bacteria causing an infection and which antibiotics are likely to work against it. Results typically take two to three days to come back from the laboratory. ## Sources - [NHS — Urine Infection Children](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/) - [NHS — Urinary Tract Infections Utis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis)