Can a urine test tell if I have a UTI?

It can show signs that make an infection more or less likely, but it cannot confirm which bacteria are present or which antibiotic will work. Our Culture & Sensitivities test grows any bacteria in the sample to answer those questions.

Can I do a urine test on my period?

It is better to wait until your period has finished, because period blood can make the result look as if there is blood in your urine. If you cannot wait, tell us so the doctor can take it into account.

Is a urine test enough to check my kidneys?

Protein and blood in urine can be early signs of kidney problems, but on their own they do not show how well your kidneys are working. GPs check kidney function with a blood test (eGFR) together with a urine albumin test (ACR).

When should I get urgent help instead of booking a test?

Get an urgent GP appointment, or contact your GP out-of-hours service, if you have urine symptoms with a high temperature, pain in your back under the ribs, or blood in your pee, or if you are pregnant, a man or a child. Call 999 (or 112) or go to an emergency department if someone is confused, drowsy or has difficulty speaking.

Urine, stool & swab tests

Private test

Urinalysis Test

A urine test checking for signs of infection, kidney problems, diabetes and other conditions.

10 biomarkers
No fasting needed

£49Includes sample collection

Book this test Ask a question

We confirm your appointment and any preparation, such as fasting, before you attend.

What’s included

10 biomarkers in this test.

No fasting needed

Kidneys1

How well your kidneys filter waste from your blood.

Urinalysis

Urine9

A urine sample checked for blood, protein, sugar and signs of infection.

Urine Bilirubin
Urine Ketones
Urine Nitrite
Urine pH
Urine Protein
Urine Glucose
Urine Red Blood Cells
Urine Urobilinogen
Urine White Blood Cells

About this test

Is the Urinalysis Test right for you?

Who it’s for

You have symptoms that can be linked to a urine infection, such as pain or burning when you pee, needing to pee more often or urgently, or cloudy pee.
You want a simple check for signs that are worth following up, such as protein, blood or sugar in your urine.
You have diabetes, or a condition affecting your kidneys, and want an extra check alongside your usual care.
You want a urine check as part of a wider health check with blood tests.

What it can show

Nitrite and white blood cells can be signs of a urine infection. A positive nitrite, or white blood cells together with blood, makes an infection more likely.
Protein and red blood cells can be early signs that the kidneys need a closer look. Blood in your urine always needs to be checked by a doctor.
Glucose (sugar) in urine may suggest high blood sugar, which is then checked with a blood test. In people with diabetes, ketones can be a warning sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that needs urgent hospital care.
Bilirubin is a waste product that can build up in some liver and gallbladder conditions. Bilirubin or urobilinogen in urine may suggest that liver blood tests are worth doing. pH shows how acidic your urine is and is read alongside the other results.

What it can’t tell you

This is a screening test. An abnormal result usually needs a follow-up test, such as a urine culture for infection, or blood tests for the kidneys, liver or blood sugar.
Urine tests do not always pick up an infection, so a normal result does not rule one out if you have symptoms.
Over the age of 65, many people have bacteria in their urine without an infection. This can make the test look positive, so it is much less reliable in older adults.
Period blood, a sample that is not midstream, or a sample that has been in the bladder for only a short time can all affect the results.
Results need to be interpreted alongside your symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment are with your GP or specialist.

How it works

From booking to results in three steps.

Step 1
Request your test
Send a booking request online or call us. We confirm your clinic, appointment time and any preparation.
Step 2
Visit the clinic
A short appointment for professional sample collection at Greysteel or Letterkenny. No GP referral needed.
Step 3
Receive your results
Usually within a couple of working days, emailed to you once a doctor has reviewed them.

Common questions

Questions about this test.

This test looks for signs of infection (nitrite and white blood cells), blood, protein, sugar, ketones and bilirubin in your urine. These can point to infection, kidney, blood sugar or liver problems that are worth following up with further tests.