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Urine glucose (dipstick)

Urine tests · also printed as Glucose (urine), Urine glucose, Dipstick glucose, Urinalysis glucose, Glucose (urinalysis)

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: Negative

Negative is the expected result. Trace and + are graded findings the lab prints as text.

What this test measures

A dipstick pad that changes colour when glucose is present in urine. Glucose spills into urine when blood glucose is high enough to overwhelm the kidney's ability to reabsorb it, or when the kidney threshold is low.

Why doctors request it

Part of a routine urinalysis at the GP, in hospital, in pregnancy and in many private health checks.

What commonly pushes it up

High blood glucose
Pregnancy, where the kidney threshold falls
Some newer diabetes tablets as a class, which are designed to make the kidney pass glucose
A harmless inherited low kidney threshold

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Pregnancy lowers the kidney threshold
Some diabetes tablets cause it deliberately

About the sample

A clean mid-stream sample, tested within an hour. Grades are printed as Negative, Trace, +, ++ or +++.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.