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.
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.
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.