UTI Test

Reviewed by Dr Jonah Mink, April 21'

One of the best ways to detect a urinary tract infection (UTI) is to perform a urine test called urinalysis. Urinalysis involves a dipstick which indicates the presence of certain substances by changing colour when dipped in a urine sample. The dipstick checks for leukocytes, nitrites and traces of blood. The presence of leukocytes and blood in the urine sample indicates a possible infection, whilst the detection of nitrites points to the presence of bacteria.

If the dipstick results indicate a UTI and this is confirmed by the assessment of a healthcare professional, you may receive a prescription for antibiotics so that you can start treatment. Antibiotics are the best way to treat a UTI, and you should feel better after completing the course.


How to tell if you have a UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection affecting both adults and children. It is caused by bacteria entering the bladder via the urethra. The bacteria multiply within the urinary system, causing discomfort. Typically, women are more likely to get a UTI, but men can also suffer from urine infections.

If you have not had a UTI before, it’s helpful to know which of the early signs to look out for. The early symptoms of a UTI include pain when passing urine, strong-smelling or cloudy urine and lower abdominal pain. Other symptoms may develop, including fever, blood in the urine, a sudden urge to relieve yourself and nausea or vomiting.

Cloudy urine and pain during urination can be assigned to other causes; it is therefore important to determine whether or not your symptoms result from a UTI. A simple diagnostic test is the urine dipstick, also known as urinalysis.

How to perform a urine dipstick test

If you have never used a urine dipstick before, you may feel a little daunted beforehand. However, DipUTI makes the process straightforward and easy, with the kit containing everything you need. Download the DipUTI app and follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the test. Once you receive your results you should return to the pharmacy where you received the kit and consult with the pharmacist. If the pharmacist determines that a UTI is likely, they are empowered under a Patient Group Direction (PGD) to supply antibiotics, in accordance with NICE guidance.

How to read a urine dipstick

A urine dipstick is designed to indicate whether leukocytes, nitrites or traces of blood are present in the urine. These three substances could indicate a UTI and are detected by the colour change of the dipstick patches.

Traditionally, doctors compare urine dipsticks against standardised colour charts to make a diagnosis. With a DipUTI test kit, you can test yourself at home. After dipping the stick, it should be placed on the colour-board provided in your test kit. The app then analyses a scan of your dipstick and colour-board, and provide you with the results. Once you receive your results you should return to the pharmacy where you received the kit and consult with the pharmacist. If the pharmacist determines that a UTI is likely based on the results and your symptoms, they are empowered under a Patient Group Direction (PGD) to supply antibiotics, in accordance with NICE guidance.

Test at home, get treatment at the pharmacy

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