Abnormal Urine Test Results in Children

Urinalysis is a first line investigation whenever a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney disease or metabolic disease is suspected. A chemical examination of urine (reagent strip or dipstick test) and urine particle analysis are the baseline tests. A diagnosis of a UTI also requires a bacterial culture of the urine. Reagent strip tests are good for screening purposes, but abnormal findings must be verified with further investigations, such as particle analysis or a quantitative protein measurement. In order to obtain a reliable result, urine samples from children should be collected in a hospital or health centre. Urine may be collected at home if the reagent strip testing is to be carried out at home.