Urine Reducing Substances Test

A qualitative (and possibly semi-quantitative) analysis detects the presence of reducing sugars (such as glucose, galactose, fructose, and lactose) in urine using a chemical test strip or a reagent such as Benedict's. These sugars act as "reducing agents," reacting with copper ions in the reagent, resulting in a color change. While the presence of glucose may be normal or indicative of diabetes, the presence of other reducing sugars is often abnormal and suggests a genetic disorder.