I need help interpreting my urine dipstick result–specifically in terms of bilirubin. With the strips I used, urine that has no bilirubin does not cause a color change at all on the dipstick; in other words it should remain a light cream color. A positive result is supposed to be a tan-ish color. My result was neither. Instead, I got a dark, vivid orange result. I’ve read elsewhere that any color change is abnormal, and that a color other than the typical positive result (tan) may indicate bile pigments other than bilirubin in the urine. Can anyone tell me what the significance of that would be? Or any other explanation of that color change?
If it matters, the only other abnormal result was trace amounts of protein. Specific gravity and pH were also high, but I know those vary with hydration status and type of food consumed. Urobilinogen, glucose, ketones, nitrite, leukocytes, and blood were all negative–so I know my kidneys are fine, I don’t have a urinary tract infection, and I’m not diabetic.
Just to rule some things out: the color of my urine was normal, I have not consumed anything containing red or orange dye (only thing I’ve had in the last 3 days is chicken, plain pasta, and coffee), I’m not on any medications or vitamins, and I performed the test properly.
Thanks very much for any help!
Thanks everyone for the input! To address the good points you all made:
–the first dipstick out of the container reacted normally w/the control (recently tested, stored properly, and they’re not expired)
–I too thought it was an anomaly but this is the result I get almost every time (5-6 times over the last 2 months)
–I originally got the strips as an inexpensive way to test for a UTI, but continued testing every once in a while to monitor the bilirubin result.
–no, I don’t exercise (but I’m not anywhere near overweight) I’ll try to pay attention to the effects of different foods though.
Thanks again!
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Filed under Diabetic Test Strips by on Feb 23rd, 2011. 3 Comments. 
phoenixnutritionals.com (CLICK HERE) There are many potential complications from diabetes, including neuropathy, amputations, increased cardiovascular risks, kidney damage, cholesterol elevation and heart attacks. Neuropathy is the destruction of nerve endings, mostly in the hands and feet leading to numbness. Over time circulation may be impaired, reducing the bodys ability to heal wounds of the extremities. This circulation damage can systemic, affecting the entire arterial and venal systems. One of the most damaging diabetes side effects is to the kidneys. Over time, elevated blood sugar and insulin levels can damage kidneys beyond repair. The majority of amputations performed in all hospitals are directly related to diabetes. Diabetes so damages the circulation that even the smallest wounds can fail to heal, leading to amputations. Almost every diabetic has problems with cholesterol elevation. This is due to the diseases effect on the liver. Elevated cholesterol and diabetes is caused when the liver becomes toxic, from free radicals, and can no longer regulate cholesterol levels. Type II diabetics are also at a much higher risk for heart attacks. All of these complications can be greatly reduced or even eliminated by gaining control over blood sugar and insulin levels. The symptoms revolving around both diabetes and hypoglycemia are often referred to as syndrome X. These include elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, and often a severe overweight situation. When excess …
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Filed under Diabetic Diet by on Jan 4th, 2011. 25 Comments.
I’m about 15 lb. overweight for my height, and I am worried I might be diabetic. My Dad has type 2 diabetes, so I’m really freaked out. Here are the symptoms I’ve experienced:
1. Not getting full no matter how much I eat–But this has changed in the past couple of weeks and now I have very little appetite.
2. Bad vision–I never needed glasses before in my life (I am 24), but last summer I needed glasses. Of course, this could also be explained by the fact that bad vision runs in my family.
3. Fatigue.
I know that symptoms 1 and 2 may be explained by the fact that I only just graduated from grad school and I’ve been under a lot of stress lately, but I am worried. I don’t have enough money to go to the doctor for testing. Where can I find diabetic testing strips, and do I need a prescription to get them?
I also have problems with my gums bleeding, but I’ve had that problem pretty much all my life due to not flossing regularly (I do it about 3-5x a week now and I know I need to do better).
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Filed under Diabetic Test Strips by on Jul 31st, 2010. 4 Comments.