What does a urine dipstick test for?

What does a urine dipstick test for?

A urine test strip or dipstick is a basic diagnostic tool used to determine pathological changes in a patient's urine in standard urinalysis. A standard urine test strip may comprise up to 10 different chemical pads or reagents which react (change color) when immersed in, and then removed from, a urine sample.

What indicates a urine infection on a dipstick?

The doctor may carry out a dipstick test, in which a chemical strip detects an enzyme called leukocyte esterase that points to the presence of white blood cells, typically related to an infection. The dipstick test also highlights nitrites, which are a waste product from the breakdown of certain bacteria.

How do you read a urine dipstick?

Simply place a single drop of your urine sample onto a single dipstick chemical pad and wait for the required time to compare the sample against the chart. Then proceed to the next test on the strip, and so on. Just be sure the eyedropper, and any urine collection container used, is sterile.

Can a urine dipstick test for STD?

For detection of gonorrhea, one study among female STI clients found the urine dipstick to be as accurate as Gram stains. For detection of gonorrhea or chlamydia, the same study found the urine dipstick to be as sensitive as, but less specific than, Gram stains.