Does anybody use urinalysis dipsticks on a routine basis? If so, what can you learn aside from possible uti's?

I see now that you asked what OTHER things than a UTI might be indicated. A dip stick DOES indicate some things, but you don't want to us it for those things; that is for medical to run tests, usually blood tests in the case of kidney disease. You can google how to read a dip stick and what different colors indicate, but it is very unreliable for such things and can vary according to hydration, things eaten, and many other things. Suspicion on kidney disease issues are something an MD should be told about.

Basically you only are learning "indications". So report any "abnormals" to the doctor and take in a Culture for C&S. You only learn things such as white blood cells and acid alkaline changes, not anything about bacteria presence nor type.

They do only show possible UTI's, but that is a good start if your LO is sick. It's a hassle to take them to the Dr., get a 'clean catch' of urine and have it tested (which is what they will do--so if you go in already expecting a UTI, they can already rule out a couple other things).

Since UTI's can make you absolutely crazy--I'd just bite the bullet and do the strips if I ever suspected a UTI.