Understanding Semi-Quantitative Urinalysis: Benefits & Interpretation

A number of urine testing methodologies exist in the laboratory but the most commonly employed is the semi-quantitative urinalysis. Often referred to as a 'dipstick' because the test strip is dipped into a urine specimen, it is semi-quantitative in that results are not reported in exact amounts. If the analyte is present, a color change occurs on the strip. The higher concentration of analyte, the darker the color. The reader reports the result on a scale of "1+" to "4+," or lightest to darkest.



A rapid and inexpensive test, the semi-quantitative urinalysis provides screening for a myriad of conditions, proving its worth as a beneficial tool for health care providers.

Detects Infection

• A semi-quantitative urinalysis detects the presence of both white blood cells and nitrite, which indicate infection. Nitrites are a by-product of bacterial action and white cells increase during infection.

Diabetes

• A normal urinalysis shows no glucose; it's presence on a dipstick generally implies diabetes.

Protein

• Protein in the urine may simply reflect a transient stage. A positive protein result requires repeat testing, and if results are consistent, signifies a kidney disorder.

Blood

• While invisible macroscopically, blood shows on a dipstick and can imply a number of conditions such as tumors, stones or kidney trauma.