What it means
A quick bedside or clinic test. Each pad on the strip reacts with one thing in the urine, such as glucose, protein, ketones, blood, nitrites, white blood cells (leukocyte esterase), pH and specific gravity, and the colors are compared with a chart. A positive dipstick is often followed by a full urinalysisyoor-ih-NAL-ih-sisA lab test of a urine sample that looks at its color, clarity, chemicals and cells.urin/o urine-lysis breaking down, analysisFull entry or a urine culture in the lab.
For the nurse
Use a fresh urine sample, dip the strip briefly, and read each pad at the exact time shown on the container, against its color chart. Check that the strips are not out of date and that the container lid has been kept closed.
At a glance
| Also written | dipsticks, urine dipstick |
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Related terms
urinalysis
A lab test of a urine sample that looks at its color, clarity, chemicals and cells.
hematuria
Blood in the urine, either seen by eye or found only by a test.
proteinuria
More protein in the urine than normal.
ketone
An acid made by the liver when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose.