Urinary Tract Infection

You can test for a UTI at home with over-the-counter test strips or at a healthcare provider’s office.

The time it takes to get results from a UTI test can vary depending on the type of test. Rapid testing kits can provide results in minutes.

There are various types of UTI tests including urinalysis, urine culture, and at-home test strips.

Rapid dipstick testing is when you urinate on a test strip to identify if you have a UTI. The pads on the test strips changes colors to indicate if there is an infection present.
Urinalysis is a series of tests conducted in a laboratory. These tests analyzes your urine sample and look for any signs of an infection.
Urine culture testing is seen as the standard UTI test by most doctors. The test identifies bacteria in your urine sample. These testing most commonly searches for one type of bacteria, E. coli. 
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing measures how sensitive the bacteria is to an antibiotic or antifungal drug. When a bacteria is identified in a urine culture, it will usually be sent off for susceptibility testing to help your doctor determine the proper treatment.
Advanced UTI testing involves highly sensitive methods such as molecular testing, that can detect a wide range of bacteria. These tests can help determine drug resistance in people who have recurring UTIs.

If your UTI test results are positive, consult your physician and seek medical help. A healthcare professional can prescribe antibiotics to help relieve symptoms and treat infections.

Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments do not treat infections but can help prevent UTIs. Staying hydrated by drinking more water, urinating after sexual activity, taking showers instead of baths, minimizing douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area, teaching girls to wipe front to back, consuming cranberry juice or supplements, and pain relief medications can help prevent infections and alleviate symptoms. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

A UTI test can be used for recurrent UTIs to help monitor, identify, and assess urinary tract infections. UTI tests are not typically recommended and used as a preventative measure. Preventative strategies such as lifestyle changes and medication are usually advised.

It’s possible, especially if symptoms persist. A urine culture may be needed for confirmation.

Common symptoms of UTI include burning or pain during urination, frequent urination, fever, and back or groin pain. Other symptoms include frequent small amounts of urine, urine that appears cloudy, red, bright pink, or brown, which indicates a sign of blood in the urine (CDC).

Yes, UTI can occur without symptoms in young children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Although you can test at any time of the day, your first morning urine would have the most bacteria in it if UTI is present. Avoid testing during your menstrual period.

In general, most substances will not interfere with the test. Consult your physician if you are taking antibiotics. Some medications (e.g. vitamin B2) can affect the colour of your urine and may cause false results. Large quantities of vitamin C may cause false negative results.

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