Ribbon Checkup Urine Test: Simple At-Home Health Tracking
Urine testing is one of the most accessible ways to monitor health. Traditionally done in clinics and hospitals, routine urine tests help detect infections, kidney issues, diabetes, liver disorders, and more. But what if you could do it from your home?
Ribbon Checkup is a home-based urine test that gives you lab-style insights in just a few minutes. It’s designed to empower people with easy access to health information—without needing to visit a doctor or wait days for results.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Ribbon Checkup urine test: how it works, what it measures, who it’s for, and how to interpret your results. You’ll also learn when it’s useful and when you should follow up with a doctor.
What Health Markers Does It Check?
The Ribbon Checkup strip includes 10 markers commonly tested in clinical settings:
1. Protein
Too much protein in urine (proteinuria) can be a sign of kidney damage. Temporary causes include dehydration, stress, or intense exercise.
Learn how to monitor protein levels with urine protein test strips or try an at-home urine protein test for convenience.
2. Glucose
Glucose in the urine may suggest high blood sugar or diabetes. For deeper insight, check our guide on glucose in urine and how it relates to diabetes.
3. Ketones
Ketones are produced when the body burns fat instead of carbs. This happens during fasting, low-carb diets, or poorly controlled diabetes. Learn more about ketones in urine during pregnancy, which may need special attention.
4. Blood
Blood in the urine may be caused by infections, kidney stones, or injury. It can also occur during menstruation.
5. Leukocytes
These white blood cells often show up in urine during a urinary tract infection (UTI).
6. Nitrites
Some bacteria that cause UTIs convert nitrates into nitrites. A positive nitrite result can support a UTI diagnosis.
7. pH
This measures how acidic or alkaline your urine is. A normal range is 4.5 to 8. It can affect kidney stone risk or infection risk.
8. Specific Gravity
This measures how concentrated your urine is. It reflects hydration and kidney function.
9. Bilirubin
Bilirubin in the urine may indicate liver problems or bile duct issues.
10. Urobilinogen
This is a byproduct of bilirubin breakdown. High or low levels can signal liver or blood-related conditions.
How to Use the Ribbon Checkup Urine Test
Step 1: Collect a Sample
Use the provided cup to collect a clean midstream urine sample. Make sure your hands are clean. Men should retract the foreskin if present; women should separate the labia.
Step 2: Dip the Strip
Dip the strip into the urine for 1–2 seconds. Do not leave it in for too long.
Step 3: Place on Color Card
Lay the strip on the printed color card that comes in the kit. This standardizes lighting and color.
Step 4: Wait
Wait about 60 seconds for the chemical pads to fully react.
Step 5: Scan
Use the Ribbon Checkup app or desktop site to scan the strip. It uses your phone’s camera and AI to analyze the colors.
Step 6: View Results
Your results appear on screen. Each marker is color-coded (normal, borderline, or abnormal) and explained in plain language.
You can track changes over time and share results with your healthcare provider.
For better accuracy, make sure you understand how to read a rapid urine test.
Who Can Use It?
Ribbon Checkup is for anyone who wants to track their health from home, including:
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People with diabetes or high blood pressure
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People prone to UTIs or kidney stones
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Women monitoring health during pregnancy
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Athletes or those on special diets (keto, intermittent fasting)
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Anyone with early signs of kidney or liver issues
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People recovering from illness or surgery
It’s also useful between check-ups to monitor how your body is responding to medications or lifestyle changes.
Benefits of the Ribbon Checkup Test
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At-home convenience: No need for a lab visit
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Fast results: Results in under 5 minutes
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Track changes: View trends over time
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Evidence-based: Uses medical-grade reagents
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Privacy: View results on your device only
For an in-depth comparison, explore how Ribbon Checkup compares to traditional labs.
Limitations to Know
While Ribbon Checkup is helpful, it’s not a substitute for professional medical tests.
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Not diagnostic: Abnormal results should be confirmed with a lab
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App subscription: Viewing results may require a monthly fee
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Single-use strips: One test per strip
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Not suitable for emergencies: Seek urgent care if symptoms are serious
Always follow up with your doctor if results are abnormal or unclear.
Cost and Availability
The Ribbon Checkup test is available online. A starter pack typically includes:
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18 test strips
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Color card
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Urine collection cup
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Instructions
The app is free to download, but you may need a subscription to view full test results. Monthly plans are around $20. Strips become unusable if the subscription is canceled.
When to Talk to a Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if:
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You see persistent blood, protein, or glucose in your urine
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You have signs of a UTI (painful urination, fever, urgency)
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Ketones are high and you have diabetes
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You feel unwell or symptoms are worsening
Even if results are normal, see your doctor if you have health concerns.
If you're unsure whether symptoms are kidney-related, read more about what mimics kidney stone pain.
Final Thoughts
The Ribbon Checkup urine test is a simple way to check your health from home. It helps monitor signs of kidney, liver, metabolic, and urinary tract conditions. It’s easy to use, fast, and informative.
But remember—it’s not a diagnosis. Always talk to your doctor if something seems off.
Regular health checks, including at-home tools like Ribbon Checkup, can help you stay informed and act early when needed.
Related Resources
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Urine Test Strips for Protein: Results, Accuracy: When to See a Doctor
Learn how to interpret protein results from urine strips and when to take action. -
24-Hour Urine Collection. How to Do It Properly?
A step-by-step guide to accurately collect and test your urine over a full day. -
Urine Glucose Levels Chart: Understanding Results
Decode your urine glucose readings and see what they mean for your health.
References
Clinic, C. (2023, August 21). A urinalysis is a set of tests on your pee (urine). It can include a visual exam, dipstick test and microscopic exam. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17893-urinalysis
Prasad, B. (2025, July 29). Urinalysis: Reference Range, Interpretation, Collection and Panels. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from Medscape.com website: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2074001-overview
Ribbon Checkup. (2025). Retrieved August 7, 2025, from Ribbon Checkup website: https://ribboncheckup.com/
Urinalysis - Mayo Clinic. (2025). Retrieved August 7, 2025, from Mayoclinic.org website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/about/pac-20384907
Urine test strip - Wikiwand. (2021). Retrieved August 7, 2025, from Wikiwand.com website: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Urine_test_strip
Zimlich, R. (2023, April 11). What Normal (and Abnormal) Urine Test Results Reveal. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/normal-urine-test-results-chart
