Lab results
Urinalysis Results Explained
What each part of a urine test shows, from protein and glucose to blood and bacteria, and which findings need a follow-up.
The dipstick results
- Specific gravity: how concentrated your urine is; high often means you were a little dehydrated.
- pH: acidity; diet and some conditions shift it.
- Protein: small amounts can follow exercise, fever or standing; persistent protein needs kidney checks.
- Glucose: usually absent; its presence suggests high blood sugar.
- Ketones: appear with fasting, low-carb diets, vomiting or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Blood: can come from infection, stones, exercise, periods or, less often, kidney or bladder disease.
- Leukocyte esterase and nitrites: markers of infection.
- Bilirubin and urobilinogen: relate to the liver.
The microscope results
Microscopy counts red cells, white cells, bacteria, crystals and casts. Squamous epithelial cells usually mean the sample picked up skin cells, which is why a clean-catch sample (wipe, start peeing, then collect midstream) gives more reliable results.
What happens next
- Infection signs plus symptoms usually mean treatment, sometimes guided by a urine culture.
- Blood without a clear reason is rechecked; if it persists, especially in smokers or people over 35, we arrange further tests.
- Protein is rechecked and may lead to a urine albumin test and kidney blood tests.
- Glucose leads to a blood sugar or A1c test.
How we can help
We order urinalysis when it adds value, explain your results by video or message, and handle next steps, whether that is treating an infection or arranging follow-up tests. See also how to prevent UTIs.
Questions people ask
Can a urine test diagnose a UTI?
It supports the diagnosis when you have symptoms. A culture confirms the bacteria and which antibiotics will work.
Why is there protein in my urine?
Exercise, fever, dehydration and standing for long periods can cause temporary protein. If it persists, we check your kidneys.
Do I need to fast for a urine test?
No, but the first morning sample is often the most concentrated and useful.
Talk it through with Lydia
Have a urine result you do not understand? We will explain it clearly. See a board-certified nurse practitioner virtually anywhere in Virginia, in our Woodbridge office, or straight to your front door in much of Northern Virginia.
Visits start at $85, and every membership comes with a 30-day trial.
Prefer to ask first? Text us at (571) 402-2102 or message us on WhatsApp.
