Using Urine Strips: A Quick Guide To Testing (2025)

Urine test strips are used to screen for various diseases and health complications. They are commonly used to monitor diabetic patients and detect urinary tract infections. The test strip is dipped into a container of urine, or held under a urine stream, and then compared to a colour chart. It's important to note that these strips are not intended for self-diagnosis and should be used in consultation with a doctor. The time taken for results to appear can vary from a few minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the brand.

Preparing urine samples

Urine samples can be collected at home or at a healthcare provider's office or laboratory. In most cases, you will provide a urine sample by urinating into a clean cup. If you are at home, you may be given a special clean-catch kit that contains a cup with a lid and wipes.

Before collecting the sample, it is important to wash your hands with soap and warm water. For people with a vagina, it is important to also wash the area between the vagina "lips" (labia) with water (no soap) to prevent contamination from bacteria, cells, or other substances.

To collect the sample, sit on the toilet with your legs spread apart. Use two fingers to spread open your labia. Urinate a small amount into the toilet bowl, then stop the flow of urine. Keeping your labia spread open, collect the middle part of the urine stream in the cup.

If you are at home, place the cup in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator until you take it to the lab or your healthcare provider's office.

Dipping the strip

Firstly, ensure you have a fresh urine sample. If you are collecting the sample yourself, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand with antibacterial soap and warm water. Dry your hands with a clean, single-use paper towel. You may also wish to put on medical-grade gloves. Fill a container halfway with the urine sample.

Next, take hold of the gripping surface at the thick end of the test strip. Dip the strip into the container, submerging it completely and ensuring that each individual test square is covered. Once the strip is saturated, immediately remove it from the container. It is important that you do not shake the strip or blot it with another object. Instead, drag the strip along the edge of the container to remove excess urine.

Now, hold the strip horizontally, with the test squares facing up, so that the reactive chemicals do not run into each other. This will ensure that the urine from different squares does not mix, which could affect the accuracy of the results.

Finally, wait for the required amount of time for the compounds in the urine to react with the reagents on the test squares. This usually takes around 1 to 2 minutes, but the exact time may vary depending on the brand of test strip, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

After the specified time has passed, you can compare the colours that have appeared on the strip to the chromatic scale provided. This will allow you to interpret your findings and make a diagnosis.

Timing the reaction

The timing of the reaction is crucial for accurate results when using urine test strips. The test strip should be immersed in the urine sample for a short period, typically around two seconds, and then immediately removed to avoid dissolving the reagent areas. After removal, the excess urine should be removed by tapping the strip against the rim of the container or blotting it on absorbent paper.

Once the strip is removed from the urine sample, the reaction time can vary depending on the specific test and the compounds being detected. Most tests will produce results within 60 to 120 seconds after dipping the strip. However, some tests may require a longer reaction time. It is important to refer to the instructions specific to the brand of test strips being used to determine the exact time needed for the reaction.

During the reaction time, the compounds in the urine will react with the reagents on the test squares, causing a colour change. This colour change typically occurs within one to two minutes. Any colour changes that occur after the initial two minutes should be disregarded, as they may lead to false positives. Therefore, it is crucial to time the reaction accurately and disregard any changes after the specified time frame.

To ensure accurate timing, it is recommended to use a timer or closely watch the second hand of a watch. This precision helps prevent relying on mental tracking, which can be imprecise and affect the accuracy of the test results. By following the specified reaction time and disregarding any subsequent colour changes, users can obtain optimal and reliable results from the urine test strips.

Reading the results

First, hold the strip horizontally to prevent the urine from running down the side and interfering with the different test zones. You may notice the colours start to change within 30 seconds, but it's best to wait for at least a minute or two before reading the results. Some test strips need to be read in a particular order, so make sure you follow the instructions provided.

Next, hold the test strip beside the colour chart provided by the manufacturer to observe the colour changes. Each row on the colour chart corresponds to a particular test strip. For example, a row labelled "pH" or "Acidity" that begins with a light pink square indicates that the light pink test strip on your dipstick measures the pH level of your urine. The colour that is the closest match on the chart tells you your result.

For instance, if you're testing the pH level of your urine, an orange colour on the test strip indicates that your urine is too acidic, while a deep green colour suggests it's too alkaline. If you're testing for protein, a greenish or turquoise colour indicates the presence of protein, with darker colours indicating higher quantities. This usually means your kidneys are involved in an infection.

It's important to note that certain medications and dietary factors can impact the results of your test. For example, urinary acidifiers and high protein, vegetable, or dairy consumption can affect the pH level of your urine. Additionally, large amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in your urine can cause false negative results. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your results.

Interpreting the findings

Urine test strips are a convenient, easy, and cost-effective way to test urine samples. They are useful in testing for the presence of certain substances in urine and can help diagnose or manage various medical conditions. The test strips are available without a prescription at pharmacies or online, but they are not intended for self-diagnosis and should be used in consultation with a doctor.

The test strips have pads impregnated with chemicals that react with the compounds present in the urine, producing a characteristic colour. The colour change on the test strip is then compared to a colour chart provided by the manufacturer to determine the presence and/or concentration of specific substances in the urine. The colour change can indicate whether the substance levels in the urine are within the normal range or if they are elevated or decreased, which can suggest potential health issues.

The time taken for the results to appear on the strip can vary from 30 seconds to a few minutes, or even up to 30 minutes, depending on the brand and the specific test being performed. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and read the colour changes within the recommended time frame to ensure accurate results. The squares on the box are usually arranged in order of the time required for interpretation, with the shortest time (30 seconds) to the longest (2 minutes).

It is important to note that urine test strips have some limitations and may not provide highly accurate results. They are qualitative tests and do not give precise quantitative measurements. Additionally, improper technique, such as insufficient mixing of the sample or excess urine on the strip, can lead to false results. Therefore, it is recommended to interpret the results in conjunction with other clinical signs, symptoms, and diagnostic tests to make informed clinical decisions.

Urine test strips can be used to detect a wide range of substances and conditions, including pH levels, kidney function, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and the presence of blood or proteins in the urine. The specific substances and their corresponding colours on the test strip will vary depending on the brand and the type of test strip used. It is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and colour chart for accurate interpretation.

Frequently asked questions