Common Urine Tests

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Glucose

Your urine should not have any glucose in it. If you have glucose  in your urine, it may mean you have diabetes. 

Ketones

Your body makes ketones when it breaks down body fat too quickly to use it as fuel. This can happen when you don’t eat enough carbohydrates to fuel your body. It can also happen if you are diabetic and your insulin level is not right. If you have ketones in your urine, your healthcare provider may ask you more questions or send you for more testing. Please note, it is common to have ketones in your urine if you have not eaten anything for several hours before a test.

Blood 

Your urine should not have any blood in it. If there is blood in your urine, it likely means you have a urinary tract infection or another problem with your urinary tract. 

Bilirubin

Part of your liver’s job is to break down old red blood cells. A product of red blood cell breakdown is called bilirubin. If your bilirubin levels are too high, it could mean you have a medical condition affecting your liver, gallbladder or bile duct. 

Proteins 

Many conditions can lead to high protein in your urine, from heart problems to poisoning. If your protein count is too high, you will likely need more lab tests. 

Hormones

Some hormone levels can be checked using a urine sample. A common reason for a urine test is to detect hormones that are released if you are pregnant. 

Drugs

Many employers require a urine test before they hire someone. Also, most states require random, periodic testing of people who hold certain licenses, such as a commercial driver’s license (CDL). 

Bacteria and other organisms

If you have a urinary tract infection, you likely will have bacteria, parasites or yeast in your urine. 



For more information on laboratory testing visit labtestsonline.org.