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How to Read a Urinalysis Result (Protein, Blood, Glucose)

Here is how to make sense of a routine urinalysis report.

  1. The basic structure of a urinalysis report

    Urinalysis results are commonly shown on a scale for each item -- negative (-), trace (Β±), and then positive in increasing degrees (1+ through 4+). A higher number generally means more of that substance was detected in the sample.

  2. What a positive protein result can mean

    A positive result for protein can suggest an issue with the kidneys' filtering function. But intense exercise, fever, and dehydration can also cause a temporary positive result, which is why a repeat test is commonly used to check whether it persists before drawing further conclusions.

  3. What a positive blood result can mean

    A positive result for blood in the urine can have several possible causes, including a urinary tract stone, a urinary tract infection like cystitis, or a kidney (glomerular) condition. In women, menstrual blood can also contaminate a sample and cause a positive result, so the timing of the test relative to a menstrual cycle is worth factoring into the interpretation.

  4. What a positive glucose result can mean

    Glucose normally does not appear in urine because the kidneys reabsorb it, but once blood glucose exceeds roughly 160-180 mg/dL (about 8.9-10 mmol/L) -- the kidneys' typical reabsorption threshold -- some glucose spills into the urine and the test turns positive. That makes it a useful clue that blood sugar may be running high, but a positive result alone does not diagnose diabetes.

  5. What positive leukocytes or nitrites can mean

    A positive result for white blood cells or nitrites in the urine suggests a possible urinary tract infection, such as cystitis or urethritis. If it is accompanied by symptoms like burning during urination or a frequent urge to urinate, it is worth seeing a doctor.

  6. What typically happens after an abnormal result

    When just one item comes back mildly positive, a repeat test to see whether it persists is a common first step. If the same result keeps showing up across multiple tests, or the level is notably high, a referral to a urologist or nephrologist for further evaluation is generally the safer path.

One positive result rarely means disease by itself

A urinalysis is a simple test, but its result can shift easily based on the conditions at the time -- intense exercise, fever, menstruation, and hydration level can all cause a temporary positive. Because of that, a single mildly positive item is usually treated as a prompt for a repeat test rather than an immediate diagnosis.

Why urine glucose is only an indirect signal

A positive urine glucose result depends on blood sugar exceeding the kidneys' reabsorption threshold at the moment of testing, which is a cruder and less precise signal than a direct fasting blood glucose or HbA1c measurement. It is a useful early clue worth following up on, but on its own it neither confirms nor rules out diabetes. This page provides general information about interpreting a urinalysis result and is not a medical diagnosis -- consult a doctor if your results are concerning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can having your period affect a urinalysis result?

Yes. Menstrual blood mixing into the sample can cause a false positive for blood, so if possible it helps to schedule testing outside your period, or let the testing facility know when interpreting the result.

My protein result came back as trace (Β±) -- is that a problem?

Trace is a borderline finding that can appear due to temporary factors, and it is typically followed up with a repeat test to check whether it persists. If it repeatedly comes back positive, a referral to a nephrologist is generally recommended.