Urine testing has traditionally been performed at physician offices and laboratories. However, many home urine tests are now available over the counter. These tests allow for private and convenient urine testing at home.

Urine testing kits are available for testing glucose, ketones, protein, creatinine, white blood cells and nitrites. People with diabetes can use these tests to detect problems, diagnose complications and monitor conditions or treatments. Early detection allows for treatments that may delay or prevent the onset of more serious complications.

Like some professionally administered urine tests, home urinalysis usually requires the user to place the test strip in a cup of urine or through a stream of urine. The user would then wait the required amount of time and compare the color on the test pad to a color chart. If the user compares the color on the test strip to the chart before it has completely changed color, the results may be inaccurate.

Not all home urine tests provide results to the patient. Some tests require a urine sample be applied to the test kit and mailed back to the company. The results are then returned to the patient for evaluation by a physician.

Patients should always discuss abnormal test results with their physician. People should also contact their healthcare provider when symptoms continue, even when test results are normal.

Although home urinalysis is a convenient way for people with diabetes to monitor their health, there are drawbacks. Because reading a color chart is usually necessary, a colorblind person would be unable to use these tests. There is also a greater risk of inaccuracy than with professionally administered tests.

Patients performing urinalysis at home will need to store, handle and use their test strips according to the manufacturer’s directions to avoid false results. Users should:

• Avoid exposing test strips to extreme heat or cold
  
  
• Avoid exposing test strips to direct sunlight
  
  
• Replace cap immediately and tightly after removing a test strip from the test strip vial or container
  
  
• Check the product expiration date
  
  
• Wait the recommended time frame before comparing test strip to the color chart

Patients should also be aware of any medications or vitamins that may interfere with the test. The manufacturer’s directions should provide this information.