Midwifery (RM)
Testing the Urine of a Pregnant Woman/Client for Sugar/Protein
Urine testing during antenatal care screens for glycosuria and proteinuria using the approved specimen and test method. Results are interpreted with symptoms, blood pressure, gestation, and other investigations rather than in isolation.
Purpose
- Screen for possible diabetes, renal disease, or hypertensive disease
- Identify women needing repeat testing, investigation, or referral
- Support antenatal risk assessment
Indications
- Routine antenatal screening according to policy
- Hypertension, oedema, symptoms of hyperglycaemia, or suspected pre-eclampsia
- Follow-up of an abnormal previous result
Equipment
- Fresh clean-catch urine specimen
- Correct reagent strip or approved urine test kit
- Clean container and gloves
- Timer, colour chart, and waste receptacle
- Antenatal record and laboratory request where required
Preparation
- Ask about recent food, medicines, menstruation, vaginal discharge, and collection difficulty when relevant.
- Ensure blood pressure and symptom assessment are available for interpretation.
Procedure steps
- Explain the test, provide privacy and instructions for a clean-catch specimen.
- Verify identity, label the specimen, check reagent expiry and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Perform hand hygiene and wear gloves when handling urine.
- Mix the specimen gently if appropriate and test promptly using the correct amount or strip technique.
- Read the result at the specified time against the correct chart; do not interpret outside the stated window.
- Record sugar and protein results with blood pressure, symptoms, gestation, and relevant observations.
- Repeat or send a laboratory specimen when the result is unexpected or policy requires confirmation.
- Explain the result without diagnosing beyond scope.
- Escalate proteinuria with hypertension or symptoms and marked or persistent glycosuria for clinical review.
- Dispose of urine and materials safely, perform hand hygiene, and document the plan.
Precautions
- Use a fresh uncontaminated specimen and the correct test method.
- Do not diagnose pre-eclampsia or diabetes from a single dipstick result.
- Check reagent expiry, storage, timing, and colour interpretation.
- Escalate headache, visual symptoms, epigastric pain, severe hypertension, or illness urgently.
Aftercare
- Provide clear follow-up and repeat or laboratory testing instructions.
- Reinforce urgent danger signs and antenatal attendance.
Nursing considerations
- Interpret the result within the full clinical picture.
- Maintain privacy and infection prevention during specimen handling.
Patient education
- Explain that a screening result may need confirmation.
- Teach the woman to report severe headache, visual change, swelling, abdominal pain, or reduced wellbeing.
Documentation
- Record specimen type and time, sugar and protein result, blood pressure, symptoms, action, and person informed.
- Document rejected or contaminated specimens and repeat plan.
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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