What common laboratory procedure is used to determine the presence of glucose in urine?

The urine dipstick test is a commonly used laboratory procedure for detecting the presence of glucose in urine. This test involves using a plastic strip that is coated with chemical reagents; when the strip is dipped into a urine sample, any glucose present reacts with the reagents, resulting in a color change. The intensity of the color can then be compared to a standard chart to determine the concentration of glucose in the urine.

This method is rapid, simple, and non-invasive, making it a preferred choice for screening conditions like diabetes mellitus, where glycosuria (glucose in urine) may be an early indicator of high blood glucose levels. Testing for glucose in urine via dipstick is often part of routine urinalysis in clinical settings, providing valuable information about the patient's metabolic state.