Urine test strips
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- Multi-parameter urinalysis test strips. Best for: A broad home check of several pads at once. See options on Amazon
- Protein urine test strips. Best for: People told to watch for protein. See options on Amazon
- Specimen cups for clean catch samples. Best for: Collecting a cleaner sample. See options on Amazon
What a urinalysis checks
MedlinePlus says a urinalysis is often done to check for a urinary tract infection, kidney problems or diabetes, and can also monitor some conditions and treatments. It looks at color, appearance, odor and pH, and checks for substances not normally in urine, such as blood, too much protein, glucose, ketones and bilirubin, as well as cells, crystals and bacteria.
MedlinePlus explains that a full urinalysis may include a visual check, tests for certain chemicals and a microscope exam for cells. A home strip covers the chemical tests only.
What each pad can point to
| Pad | What a positive may suggest | Notes from MedlinePlus |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | A possible kidney problem | Can be high for a short time after strenuous exercise, dehydration, diet, stress or pregnancy |
| Blood | Infection, stones or another urinary tract problem | Most causes are not serious; medicines, intense exercise, sex or a period can cause it |
| Nitrite | A urinary tract infection | A negative does not rule out infection, since some bacteria do not make nitrites |
| Ketones | A substance not normally in urine | Listed among urinalysis checks; see our ketone guide |
For more on single-purpose strips, see our UTI test strips guide and our ketone meter guide, which covers urine ketone strips.
Collecting a clean sample
MedlinePlus describes the clean catch method so germs from your skin do not get into the sample:
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them.
- Open the container without touching the inside.
- Clean the genital area with a cleansing wipe.
- Urinate into the toilet for a few seconds, stop, then urinate into the container without letting it touch your body.
- Collect at least an ounce or two, then finish in the toilet.
Then dip the strip or hold it in the stream exactly as your kit directs. MedlinePlus notes that if you have hemorrhoids that bleed or are having your period, outside blood could get into the sample and affect results.
Reading results correctly
- Follow every instruction. MedlinePlus says at-home urine tests are easy to do and accurate as long as you carefully follow all the instructions.
- Repeat before you worry. MedlinePlus says your provider may recommend repeat tests to see whether protein stays high over time, since a single high result does not always mean a problem.
- Tell your provider about medicines. Some medicines can affect results, so share everything you take, but do not stop any medicine unless your provider tells you to.
- Ask which test fits you. MedlinePlus suggests asking your provider which protein test is best for you.
Who might check at home
MedlinePlus says protein in urine may be an early sign of kidney disease before symptoms, and that you are more likely to develop kidney disease if you have a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Long-term use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can also harm the kidneys in some people. If you are in one of these groups, ask your provider whether home strips would help between visits.
For related checks, see our glucose meter kit guide and upper arm blood pressure monitor guide.
When to see a doctor
MedlinePlus lists painful or frequent urination, back pain and belly pain as symptoms that may call for a test for blood in urine, and says to see your provider promptly with UTI symptoms such as pain or burning when you pee, cloudy or reddish urine, or fever, which may be a sign of a kidney infection. Symptoms of later kidney disease can include swelling in the hands and feet, puffy eyelids, foamy urine and shortness of breath. A result that stays positive needs more tests to find the cause.
What to look for when you buy
Multi-parameter urinalysis test strips
Best for: A broad home check of several pads at once
Covers several of the substances MedlinePlus lists in a urinalysis, such as protein, blood and glucose.
Watch out: Read each pad at the time the kit directs.
See options on AmazonProtein urine test strips
Best for: People told to watch for protein
MedlinePlus says at-home protein kits are available without a prescription.
Watch out: Ask your provider which protein test is best for you.
See options on AmazonSpecimen cups for clean catch samples
Best for: Collecting a cleaner sample
MedlinePlus describes collecting urine in a clean container without touching the inside.
Watch out: Do not let the container touch your body.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are home urine test strips accurate?
- MedlinePlus says at-home urine tests are accurate as long as you carefully follow all instructions.
- Can exercise affect a urine test?
- Yes. MedlinePlus says strenuous exercise can raise protein, and intense exercise can cause blood in urine.
- Does a negative nitrite mean no UTI?
- No. MedlinePlus says some bacteria do not change nitrates into nitrites.
- Can my period affect urine strips?
- Yes. Outside blood can get into the sample, so tell your provider if you are on your period.
- What should I do with a positive protein result?
- Talk with your provider; repeat tests show whether it stays high over time.
Sources
- Urinalysis (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Protein in Urine (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Blood in Urine (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Nitrites in Urine (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine