help with dipstick.. possible UTI?

[Amyflood246]

hi! Can anybody please help with what the results of this dipstick indicate? I know that positive leukocytes, protein and blood can indiacate a UTI but I have no symptoms of one so I’m confused!

Just for a bit of background I haven’t actually been diagnosed with CKD but my egfr has started to drop from in the 90’s to 89 and now to 85. I’m 33 years old. I have been testing my urine for years and there always seems to be positive blood on the dipstick. Some times the protein pad will go a tiny bit darker round the edges other times it shows no protein… so does this indicate CKD?

For the past few days that I’ve been testing there have been leukocytes present too, sometimes it’s just a very faint positive and sometimes it in the middle like the one in the picture and just once I got a very strong positive but I had had intercourse (sorry for TMI) with my partner so can semen contamination cause positive leukocytes?

I’m confused as to what’s going on because like I say I have no symptoms but keep getting varying degrees of positive leukocytes. I have been trying to get in with my GP all week with no luck! Any help much appreciated. Thank you!

[BlackCat3491]

I would advise you to go to your GP as soon as possible to get a full Urine test/Kidney Function test and full blood test.

Self-diagnosis by using home kits is OK but only gives you an indication of something being wrong.

Get a proper diagnosis - you will then get the proper treatment.

IF you have CKD it could be in the early stages and can be dealt with.

[Amyflood246 in reply to BlackCat3491]

I paid and had a blood test done yesterday and I got the results this morning. My creatinine has gone low again and my egfr has gone back to being in the 90’s! I’m so confused. Maybe I was just dehydrated on the last 2 blood tests? X

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

If you have no symptoms, why are you checking your urine?

[Amyflood246 in reply to WYOAnne]

Because I have been checking for protein because my egfr dropped from in the 90’s to 89 then to 85 so I thought I was starting with ckd. However when my kidneys were tested again yesterday my creatinine has dropped again and egfr has gone back up to the 90’s so I’m confused? The protein pad is sometimes negative on dipstick and other times the edges of the pad turn slightly darker so don’t know what is going on x

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Amyflood246]

Please understand that one blood test of renal labs or even two, doesn't mean you have CKD. Blood and urine tests by a reputable lab need to be done over a year or more, etc. looking for a trend. Your creatinine and BUN can fluctuate with dehydration, exercise and even eating a protein rich meal the night before you have a test done. That is why the results have to show a trend . What is your creatinine blood level? Please know that an eGFR of 90 is great. I have had a kidney transplant and have a stable creatinine of 0.9. I do have protein and some blood in my urine when tested quarterly. I think my eGFR is in the 60's. I have no issues and no problems.

As a woman, Darlenia is correct in telling you that there can be many reasons why blood shows up in your urine. The same goes for protein. Everyone has protein in their urine, the problem is when there is an abnormally large amount. Even then, most doctors will repeat the test.

Don't rely on a "dipstick" for your urine testing. A dipstick is not the appropriate tool to use if concerned about your kidney function. You should be seeing your primary doctor regularly if you are concerned and let him order the appropriate tests. If something seems out of the ordinary, have the doctor explain the results. He/she is the expert. Don't look for disease if there isn't any sign of it. Don't worry about something that has not happened! Live your life and enjoy

[Amyflood246 in reply to WYOAnne]

My current creatinine level is at 66. When my egfr was 85 creatinine was at 80 and when egfr was 89 creatinine was at 76. I’m just going to stop doing the dipsticks and because I’m driving myself mad. Have been trying to get in with the GP to discuss the blood but not been able to get an appt yet this week so will keep trying x

[Darlenia]

Many on this forum would be over-the-moon happy with your numbers. It's incredibly easy to have blood in the urine - particularly for women. For example, at her annual physical, my little girl had blood in her urine simply because she apparently rubbed herself too hard with toilet tissue. No one could "see" it, yet it was there. Her doctor merely waved us away and retested her on another day. Then, as we get older, periods and intercourse add to it. (If your man is circ'd, it might be even more prevalent.) As for creatinine, those numbers can also fluctuate a good deal because your hydration and physical activity influence it - even a walk can change the numbers. And, of course, eGFR is based on creatinine so they're related. Protein in the urine is also fine as long as it stays within the normal range. (Diabetes and proteinuria often go hand-in-hand.) Finally, a diagnosis is only made after a clear trend is detected, it's never based on just one test or one lab report. I encourage you to consult your primary and have a nice discussion with him about everything - your findings, your stress levels, etc. So many people suffer today for things that haven't happened. Don't let that be you. If possible, try to find resolution soon - you'll be glad you did!

[Amyflood246 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you! That’s reassuring as I said I’ve had the positive blood on dipstick for years so hopefully it’s nothing to worry about. I feel a bit better now that my egfr has gone back up too x

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Please know that a normal creatinine level is 52.2 - 91.9. Please understand that your creatinine, showings kidney function, is completely normal. Relax...you are fine!!!!

[Tempest1]

Hi, I was like you testing urine etc. I have a faint leucocytes on dip stick. my GP said not uncommon in women. All of other tests within range. if your egfr is over 60 in UK you are fine.