Urine test

This is another common diagnostic test which is used to detect kidney disease and other medical problems.

In this case, your GP will carry out this test to see if your kidneys have been affected by your high blood pressure. He or she will also be able to see if other organs have been similarly affected.

Normally you provide a single sample of urine but you may be asked to collect urine samples over 24 hours. This is more of an in-depth look at the functions of your body.

Preparing for a urine test

You do not need to do anything different. You can eat and drink as normal and basically, follow your usual daily routine.

The urine test procedure

Your GP or practice nurse will ask you to provide a small sample of urine. This sample is then tested using special dipsticks which change colour when dipped into the sample. This colour change shows how much protein or sugar is present in your urine.

The 24 hour urine test

You will be given a bottle to use for your samples in a 24 hour period. How do you collect urine within a 24 hour period?

Try this routine:

• Empty your bladder before your start the 24 hour test period.
• Take your first sample of urine in the morning - between 6am and 10am. Make a note of the exact time you start collecting your samples.
• Produce a sample of urine whenever you are ready to or not within the 24 hour period and ensure this goes into the sample bottle.
• Make a note of the time you finished.
• Take the sample bottle to your GP’s surgery as soon as you finish the test.

The urine sample bottle will be examined closely by your GP.

What will the urine test show?

Your urine sample will be examined for signs of the following:

• Levels of sugar within your urine
• The amount of salt in your diet (high salt intake is a risk factor for high blood pressure)
• The presence of a condition called Cushing’s Syndrome

The 24 hour test is very useful if you are pregnant and have high blood pressure as it can detect signs of pre-eclampsia.