What Does an Abnormal Urinalysis Mean?

Quick answer

An abnormal urinalysis means one or more findings in your urine test fell outside the normal range. Commonly flagged findings include blood, protein, leukocytes (white blood cells), nitrites, glucose, and bacteria. These can point to a urinary tract infection, dehydration, or kidney issues — but many abnormal results are minor and temporary. The specific finding and its amount determine whether follow-up is needed.

Your urine test came back with some flagged values and you’re not sure what they mean. It is unsettling to see results that are out of range when no one is there to explain them, and it is easy to assume the worst.

Urinalysis results use a lot of shorthand — here is the full breakdown, in plain English, so you can understand what each finding actually means.

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What is a urinalysis?

A urinalysis is a simple test that checks the physical, chemical and microscopic properties of urine — used to screen for kidney problems, infections, diabetes and more.

What do abnormal urinalysis findings mean?

Protein (Proteinuria)
Normal
Negative or trace.
Abnormal
Positive.
What it means
Can indicate kidney stress, dehydration, infection, or in some cases kidney disease.
Blood (Hematuria)
Normal
Negative.
Abnormal
Trace to large amounts.
What it means
Can be from infection, kidney stones, vigorous exercise, or rarely something more serious needing investigation.
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
Normal
Negative or trace.
Abnormal
Positive.
What it means
Usually indicates infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
Nitrites
Normal
Negative.
Abnormal
Positive.
What it means
Strongly suggests a bacterial infection (UTI).
Glucose
Normal
Negative.
Abnormal
Positive.
What it means
Can indicate diabetes or high blood sugar.
Ketones
Normal
Negative.
Abnormal
Positive.
What it means
Means the body is burning fat for energy — can occur with fasting, low-carb diets, or uncontrolled diabetes.
Specific Gravity
Normal
1.005–1.030.
Abnormal
Above or below the normal range.
What it means
Measures urine concentration; helps assess hydration status.
pH
Normal
4.5–8.0.
Abnormal
Above or below the normal range.
What it means
Can be affected by diet, infection, or certain medical conditions.

What are the signs of a UTI?

The classic combination that points to a urinary tract infection is positive leukocytes + positive nitrites + possibly blood.

Red flags — when to call your doctor

Most abnormal urinalysis findings are not emergencies. A few are worth a prompt call to your provider — especially if you also feel unwell. Trust your symptoms and reach out about:

Significant blood in the urine without an obvious cause
High protein together with swelling (possible kidney involvement)
Symptoms of severe infection (fever, back pain, vomiting) with an abnormal urinalysis
Glucose and ketones together (a possible diabetic emergency)

If you have severe symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting or confusion do not wait for a callback — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Questions to ask your doctor

1Which of my urinalysis findings are abnormal and how far outside the normal range are they?
2Could dehydration, diet, exercise or a medication have affected these results?
3Do these findings point toward a urinary tract infection that needs treatment?
4Is there any sign my kidneys could be involved, and should I be tested further?
5Should I repeat the urinalysis to confirm these findings, and if so when?
6Are there symptoms I should watch for before my next visit?
Want your urine test explained simply?

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Medical disclaimer: This page is educational and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Test results must be interpreted by a licensed healthcare provider who knows your full history. Always follow your provider’s guidance and call 911 in an emergency.

Keep reading
How to read a CBC blood test→What do your lab results mean?→Medical jargon explained→
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