Urine dipstick analysis
Specimen collection and preparation
1. First voided morning urine is best for routine analysis
2. Urine samples should be collected in a clean, dry container/bedpan. Sterile
containers are best.
3. Label the container.
4. Analysis is best carried out on freshly voided urine immediately.
Important checks prior to analysis
1. Read the pack insert carefully before testing.
2. Always check that the reagent strips are in date and the bottle contains the
desiccant sachet.
3. Ensure the strips have not deteriorated. An immediate check is the glucose
pad; if it gives a positive reading before use the reagent strips should be
discarded.
4. Remove only one reagent strip at a time and replace the bottle cap.
Visual testing
1. Dip reagent strip into urine so
that all test areas are covered.
Remove after 1 to 2 seconds.
2. Use correct dipping technique.
urine.
Avoid bending
the strip.
Avoid bending
the strip.
4. Take visual readings at the correct time and in good
lighting. Hold the reagent strip with test areas upward.
Compare test areas with the bottle label at the correct time.
Record results in the patient records.
3. Draw the edge of the reagent
strip along the side of the urine
container to remove excess
Urine dipstick analysis for the management of suspected urinary
tract infection.
Always visually inspect the urine specimen. Normal urine should be transparent and
yellow or amber. Cloudy urine indicates abnormality; however this does not
necessarily confirm infection.
Interpretation of urine dipstick test.
Test with MULTISTIX GP
LEUCOCYTES - POSITIVE
LEUCOCYTES – POSITIVE
LEUCOCYTES - NEGATIVE
NITRITES - POSITIVE
NITRITES - NEGATIVE
NITRITES - NEGATIVE
TREAT FOR UTI
It is possible that the UTI may be
caused by organisms that do not
convert nitrates to nitrites,
resulting in a negative result for
nitrite presence on the dipstick.
However this is uncommon. The
decision to treat in this case should
be based on clinical symptoms.
ANTIBIOTICS ARE
NOT REQUIRED.