Why it is performed
- General screening of kidneys and urinary tract.
- Provide clues to urinary infection, haematuria, proteinuria or glucosuria.
- Monitor pregnancy, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease.
- Decide whether culture or further tests are needed.
How it is performed
After cleaning, discard the first stream and collect the midstream portion without touching the inside of the container. The sample is analysed promptly or stored according to protocol.
Preparation
- Use the supplied container; do not transfer from a household jar.
- Deliver promptly and report menstruation.
- For infection testing, do not start antibiotics before collection unless medically instructed.
- Do not add water or preservatives.
How Askabide processes it
At Askabide
Dipsticks may be instrument-read in the Askabide laboratory. Microscopy or quantitative methods are added or referred when indicated. A result suggestive of infection does not replace culture when culture is required.
The main analytical phase is performed in the centre’s laboratory, subject to availability and validation.
Results and indicative intervals
Intervals vary by method, analyser, reagent, units, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase and reference population. The valid interval is the one printed on the laboratory report.
| Parameter or result | Indicative reference | How it is interpreted |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear to slightly cloudy | Cloudiness may reflect cells, crystals, mucus or contamination. |
| Specific gravity | ≈1,005–1,030 | Reflects concentration; changes with hydration and kidney function. |
| pH | ≈4,5–8,0 | Depends on diet, storage time, infection and metabolism. |
| Protein | Negative or trace | Persistent positivity should be quantified, preferably with albumin/creatinine ratio. |
| Glucose / ketones | Usually negative | Urine glucose does not replace blood glucose; high ketones with diabetes may be urgent. |
| Blood | Negative | May reflect red cells, haemoglobin, myoglobin or menstruation; confirmation is needed. |
| Nitrite / leukocyte esterase | Negative | A negative result does not exclude infection and a positive one does not identify the organism. |
| WBC / RBC on microscopy | Habitualmente 0–5 por campo | Threshold depends on technique; contamination and menstruation can alter it. |
Important limitations
- A negative dipstick does not exclude all kidney or urinary disease.
- Contamination is common when collection is poor.
- Persistent blood, protein or leukocytes require investigation.
- Interpret with symptoms and culture when appropriate.