What can a urine dipstick test tell you? A guide to 10 key health markers

Sometimes your body tries to tell you something long before symptoms become obvious. Maybe you've had a few off days. Maybe you’re experiencing bloating, fatigue, or a change in how often you're going to the loo. Maybe you're just trying to stay ahead of things.

That’s where a home urine dipstick test can help. It takes seconds to use, costs less than a cup of tea, and gives you clues about what’s going on under the surface.

At Rezure, we stock Home Urinary Health Dipstick Test Strips that detect 10 key health markers linked to infections, kidney and liver health, and early signs of diabetes.

In this guide, you’ll learn what each of those markers means, and what to do if something doesn’t look quite right.

In a hurry? Here’s what a urine dipstick test can detect:

• UTIs: nitrites, leukocytes, blood, pH changes
  

• Kidney issues: protein, specific gravity, blood
  

• Liver function: urobilinogen, bilirubin
  

• Diabetes signs: glucose, ketones
  

• Hydration status: specific gravity

How do urinalysis strips work?

Each test strip has reagent pads that change colour when dipped in urine for a couple of seconds. After a minute, you can compare the colours on your strip to the reference chart on the bottle. This gives you a snapshot of what’s going on in your body.

All that from a simple at-home urine sample.

These tests aren’t diagnostic, but they can give you valuable clues. If something’s off, you can bring the results to your GP for follow-up.

What does each biomarker mean?

Let’s take a closer look at the 10 markers on he home urine test strips we carry and what they could indicate.

1. Leukocytes (white blood cells)

May suggest: infection or inflammation in the urinary tract

White blood cells are your body's defence system and help fight off infections. If leukocytes are found in your urine, it usually means your immune system is responding to something. Most often, that something is a urinary tract infection (UTI).

You might notice symptoms like a stinging or burning sensation when you pee, or a strong urge to urinate even when your bladder’s not full. In some cases, the only clue might be cloudy or smelly urine.

A positive result for leukocytes doesn’t always mean there’s a full-blown infection. However, it’s a strong reason to keep an eye on things. If you see this marker show up, especially alongside nitrites, it’s worth speaking with your GP or pharmacist.

Did you know?

UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections in the UK, with up to half of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime.

2. Nitrites

May suggest: bacterial infection, particularly UTIs

Nitrites are a strong signal that certain bacteria (typically those that cause UTIs) are present in your bladder. Some bacteria convert the naturally occurring nitrates in urine into nitrites. That chemical change is what the dipstick detects.

If you’ve tested positive for nitrites and you’re also feeling off (burning when you pee, needing to go constantly, or lower abdominal discomfort), there’s a good chance you’ve picked up a bacterial infection.

Caught early, UTIs are usually easy to treat. Testing at home can give you the confidence to act quickly.

Did you know?

In primary care, a positive nitrite result has a positive predictive value of around 96% for infection.

3. Protein (proteinuria)

May suggest: kidney problems, high blood pressure, or infection

Protein in your urine can be a red flag that your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should. Normally, kidneys act like a fine sieve. They keep large molecules like protein in your bloodstream where they belong. If protein leaks into your urine, it might mean those filters are damaged.

That said, a positive protein result doesn’t always spell trouble. Strenuous exercise, dehydration, or even a mild fever can cause a temporary spike.

However, if you keep seeing protein across multiple tests, or if you have swelling, fatigue, or high blood pressure, it’s worth getting checked by your GP.

Did you know?

Persistent protein in urine is a key sign of chronic kidney disease, which affects more than 10% of UK adults.

4. Glucose

May suggest: diabetes or blood sugar imbalance

Your urine normally doesn’t contain any sugar. When glucose shows up, it usually means there’s more sugar in your blood than your kidneys can handle. That’s often a sign of diabetes. This is especially true if accompanied by other symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, or frequent urination.

Seeing glucose in your urine isn’t something to ignore. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes before, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP. Early detection makes a huge difference in managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications.

Did you know?

Glucose typically does not appear in urine unless blood glucose levels exceed the renal threshold, which for many people is around 10 mmol/L (≈180 mg/dL).

5. Ketones

May suggest: diabetes, fasting, or low-carb dieting

Ketones are a by-product your body produces when it burns fat for energy. This might happen if you’re on a ketogenic diet, haven’t eaten in a while, or if your insulin levels are too low, which can occur in uncontrolled diabetes.

If you see ketones on your test and you’re also getting glucose readings, that’s a red flag. It could indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious medical condition that needs urgent attention.

However, if you’re following a low-carb diet or fasting for short periods, mild ketone readings may be expected.

Did you know?

High levels of ketones in urine could signal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). For example, a urine ketone reading of “2+” or more is flagged by the NHS as an emergency in people with diabetes.

6. Urobilinogen

May suggest: liver or haemolytic disorders

Urobilinogen is formed when your body breaks down bilirubin. A small amount in your urine is normal, but higher levels could suggest liver disease (like hepatitis or cirrhosis) or issues with red blood cell breakdown.

If you’ve been feeling tired, noticed yellowing of the skin or eyes, or have unusually dark urine, an elevated urobilinogen result could add useful context. While it’s not definitive, it’s a prompt to look deeper into liver health.

Did you know?

Elevated levels of urobilinogen in urine may be an early sign of liver disease or haemolytic anaemia, even when other symptoms are still mild.

7. Bilirubin

May suggest: liver damage or bile duct obstruction

Bilirubin should not be present in healthy urine. Its appearance can indicate that the liver is struggling to process waste or that bile isn’t flowing properly due to a blockage.

People with elevated bilirubin may experience yellowing of the skin (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, or general fatigue. If this test line appears, it’s a strong sign to seek further testing.

Bilirubin is also a good companion marker to urobilinogen. The two together can reveal patterns in liver function.

Did you know?

Bilirubinuria (bilirubin in urine) is often among the earliest markers of liver‑ or bile‑duct disease, appearing before visible jaundice occurs.

8. Blood (haematuria)

May suggest: infection, kidney stones, or bladder irritation

Even a small amount of blood in urine, not visible to the naked eye, can indicate something worth looking into. Common causes include infections, physical exertion, or kidney stones. In rare cases, it could also be a sign of something more serious, like bladder or kidney cancer.

If your dipstick shows blood and you’re feeling flank pain, have been exercising heavily, or notice red or brown urine, it’s time to follow up. Always let your GP know, even if you’re not in pain. They can help pinpoint the cause.

Did you know?

Non‑visible (microscopic) haematuria affects around 2.5% of adult men in the UK, increasing to about 22% in men over 60

9. Specific Gravity

May suggest: hydration status or kidney concentrating ability

Specific gravity tells you how concentrated your urine is. Higher values often mean you’re dehydrated. Your body is holding onto water, and your urine is more concentrated as a result.

Lower values could indicate overhydration or improper kidney function.

This marker is especially useful if you’re monitoring hydration, recovering from illness, or tracking kidney function. Athletes and people working in hot environments can benefit from regular checks to make sure they’re staying well hydrated.

Did you know?

A low urine specific gravity value may be seen in conditions such as diabetes insipidus or early kidney tubular damage.

10. pH

May suggest: infection, diet effects, or metabolic conditions

Your urine’s pH shows how acidic or alkaline it is. A balanced pH is important because certain bacteria thrive in alkaline urine, while others prefer acidic environments.

Higher pH levels can suggest a urinary tract infection or a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. Lower pH could be linked to a high-protein diet, dehydration, or uncontrolled diabetes. If you’re getting frequent UTIs or have dietary concerns, monitoring your pH may help explain what’s going on.

Did you know?

Normal urine pH usually falls in the range of 4.5 to 8.0, with an average around 6.0; values above this may suggest urinary tract infection or kidney conditions.

Why test your urine at home?

Urine dipstick tests are used by healthcare professionals every day, and now you can access the same insights privately at home.

With home test strips, you can:

• Spot early signs of infection or imbalance

• Understand symptoms without waiting for a GP appointment

• Track your health over time

• Get rapid results without waiting for a lab

• Share results with your doctor for informed care

When to speak to your GP

Home tests are useful, but they’re not a substitute for medical advice. Contact your GP if:

• You get a positive result for blood, protein, glucose or bilirubin

• Your symptoms persist or worsen

• You have a history of kidney or liver issues

• You're pregnant and unsure about symptoms

Bringing your home test results to your GP can speed up the process and help guide further testing.

Key takeaways

• Urine dipstick strips test for 10 important health markers

• They can help detect UTIs, kidney issues, diabetes signs, and more

• Fast, private results from the comfort of home

• Easy to use, with clear guidance

• Not diagnostic; speak to your GP about any concerns