Easy Home Urinary Tract Infection Test

Device: Easy@home Urinary Tract Infection Test Strips

Purpose Of A Physician

UTI testing is ordered by doctors to diagnose or rule out a urinary tract infection as the cause of a patients symptoms. Urinary tract infections are diagnosed based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and/or urine tests. In some cases, doctors may be able to prescribe treatment for a UTI based on symptoms without additional testing.

When needed, doctors may order several urine tests to evaluate you for a UTI, including a urinalysis, urine culture, and susceptibility tests.

• Urinalysis: A urinalysis involves performing several tests on urine. These tests include an examination of the urine under a microscope and chemical tests that check the urine for various substances. A urine dipstick is one type of chemical test that may be performed during a urinalysis.
• Urine Culture: In a urine culture, a sample of urine is placed into a dish with material that enables bacterial growth. This material is called a culture. A urine culture test allows bacteria from the urine to be grown in a controlled laboratory environment. While not necessary for all patients, urine cultures can be helpful in identifying the specific bacteria that caused a persons UTI.
• Susceptibility testing: Susceptibility testing may be performed once bacteria have grown in the urine culture. Those bacteria are exposed to various antibiotics to identify the most effective one to use in treating a patient.

For more information about physician-ordered UTI testing, see our guide to UTI testing.

Benefits And Downsides Of At

Considering the pros and cons of at-home UTI testing may be beneficial if youre deciding whether or not at-home testing is right for you.

Benefits of at-home UTI testing include:

• Ease of use: Using an at-home UTI test is as simple as submerging a test strip into a sample of urine. Results are typically available within several minutes.
• Available in bulk: Most at-home UTI tests come in multipacks that allow you to have a test available at a moments notice. This could be helpful if you make a mistake during the testing process or if you want to check for UTIs regularly.
• Clear pricing: At-home UTI tests are widely available at a variety of price points. These over-the-counter tests have no hidden fees and come with no risk of surprise medical bills.

Downsides of at-home UTI testing include:

Ask your doctor for more information about the pros and cons of at-home UTI testing and if testing at home could be helpful in determining the cause of your symptoms.

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Standard Urine Culture Home Uti Test

Many labs will allow you to ship a urine sample from home, for a standard urine culture test. You may have organized this by ordering a UTI test kit online, or your doctor may have provided a kit in advance.

It can take a week or so to get results using this method, depending on the provider.

The process behind urine culture testing is easy enough to understand.

First, you provide a mid-stream urine sample also known as a clean-catch sample. See further down for instructions on how to collect a urine sample at home, for testing.

Your urine sample is sent to a lab, and this is what happens:

This might sound logical, but there are some very important flaws which mean

Standard urine culture testing is inaccurate in up to 50% of cases. The main test we rely on to shed light on UTIs leaves 1 in 2 females in the dark.

There are 8 main reasons your UTI test may be negative, despite your symptoms. Weve explained this further , along with information you can share with your doctor to discuss your testing options.

Accuracy Of Standard Uti Tests

An inaccurate UTI test can result in no treatment, or incorrect treatment, which can lead to prolonged or indefinite symptoms. Nobody wants that.

In fact, 26-44% of females will experience a recurrence of their first UTI. In this 26-44% it is likely the initial treatment failed, and this may be due to the type of test used.

It gets worse. Evidence suggests that with each recurrence of UTI, another recurrence becomes more likely.

The more UTIs you have, the more likely you are to get another.

Consider this before reaching for a home UTI test. It may not help you, and it may actually put you in a worse position.

So why dont the standard UTI test methods provide the answers you need?

First, lets take a quick look at those urine test strips you can use at home .

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Standard Urine Culture Testing Tips

Although we know standard UTI testing is inaccurate, some individuals do find an answer.

Standard UTI testing may be a road you wish to go down, particularly if you have not had your urine tested and you get acute UTI symptoms regularly.

Given the issues with UTI testing , we thought wed provide a few tips below on increasing the likelihood of getting an accurate result with standard urine testing, should you choose to pursue it.

While we dont usually recommend using techniques that have been shown to be so flawed, there are very few options for UTI testing in most regions. So instead of dismissing it completely, well discuss below how you can get the most out of whats available.

The Issues With Standard UTI Testing You May Be Able to Minimize

As we covered in our testing section, one of the issues with the standard urine culture test is that the threshold for bacteria concentration in the urine is too high to catch many infections.

While many labs still use the threshold of a minimum colony forming unit count of 105 per milliliter of cultured urine, females with symptomatic UTIs may present with CFU counts as low as 102/mL. For this reason, a number of recent guidelines recommend decreasing the threshold to 103/mL.

For Standard Uti Testing Always Keep A Urine Sample Container On Hand Why

If you frequently experience UTIs, and plan to collect your urine sample at home, youre more likely to get an accurate result if you collect your urine sample at the height of your symptoms.

Symptoms tend to flare up when the concentration of bacteria in your bladder increases, so this is the perfect time to get a snapshot of what is happening in your urine.

If you suffer from recurrent UTIs, ask your doctor or your chosen lab for a sterile sample container to take home or order a UTI test kit online. Make sure this is provided inside a sterile package, to prevent contamination before you need to use it.

Next time you get acute symptoms, pee in that container before you start guzzling fluids, trying home remedies, or popping pills. Drinking excessive amounts of fluids before collecting your sample will only dilute your urine, decreasing the likelihood of an accurate test.

Other things to avoid before collecting your sample:

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Should You Use At Home Uti Test Strips

Hopefully, after reading the above, you already know how unhelpful an at home UTI test could be. To sum it all up:

• Other studies have bluntly concluded that UTI test strips should be abandoned as a tool for the diagnosis of UTIs in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Given the low accuracy of UTI test strips, if the results are negative but you have UTI symptoms, it would generally be recommended that you pursue more accurate testing.

Unfortunately, official guidelines allow for the use of test strips in diagnosing UTIs, so their use is extremely widespread, both at home and in clinical settings.

So what are your other options for UTI testing at home?

Are Test Results Accurate

When conducted by a health professional, urine dipstick testing can support a UTI diagnosis if you have symptoms of a UTI. However, evidence is limited about the accuracy of at-home UTI testing.

One of the most significant risks for misleading results occurs when people use an at-home UTI test when they have no symptoms. Even positive test results for both leukocytes and nitrites do not suggest a UTI in people without symptoms.

False positive test results mean that at-home UTI test results are positive despite not having a UTI. These misleading results may be caused by:

• Trichomoniasis, a common STD
• Vaginal secretions in the test sample
• Ingesting substances that turn the urine red, such as beets or certain medications
• Improper collection or storage of the urine specimen

False negative test results mean that at-home UTI test results are negative despite actually having a UTI. These results may be caused by:

• Less common microbes causing a UTI
• Protein in the urine
• High amounts of vitamin C in the urine

Concerns about the accuracy of at-home UTI tests should be discussed with a doctor and the company providing at-home test kits.

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How Accurate Are Standard Uti Testing Methods

Standard UTI tests include UTI test strips and urine culture. Despite being the global standards for UTI testing since the 1980s and 1950s respectively, both of these tests are extremely inaccurate.

Weve covered UTI test inaccuracies in more detail, and its a good idea to brush up on the topic before your next test.

Ask A Laboratory Scientist

This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.

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What Does The Test Measure

At-home UTI tests check for two substances in the urine: leukocytes and nitrites.

• Leukocytes: Leukocytes are a type of white blood cell . Tests may assess WBC levels by measuring an enzyme called leukocyte esterase that is released by WBCs when they are present in the urine. Detecting leukocyte esterase in the urine is a sign of inflammation that is most often related to a urinary tract infection.
• Nitrites: Nitrites are substances that may be created in the urine when significant numbers of bacteria enter the urinary tract. Although most bacteria that cause UTIs produce nitrites in the urine, some less common microbes do not.

While finding these substances in the urine suggests a UTI in certain patients, testing for them may be misleading in people without symptoms. This is because leukocytes and nitrites may be present in the urine of people without a UTI or in people with other conditions.

Why Is My Home Uti Test Negative When I Feel Like I Have A Uti

Its a great question, and one we hear a lot. And theres a good answer:

If you do an at home UTI test, and it indicates you dont have an infection despite your symptoms, you have good reason to question the test itself.

Regardless of how many indicators are on the UTI test strip, it is not accurate.

Given the inaccuracy of home UTI test strips, particularly when it comes out negative, your symptoms may be a better indicator of a UTI.

This also applies to the UTI test strips used in clinics and hospitals. Despite what you may have been told, there is no such thing as an accurate UTI test strip.

Every brand of home UTI test works on the principles laid out above, and they all have the same limitations.

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How It Is Done

Compare your test strip with the colors provided with the test kit.

This test usually doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort.

Drinking Plenty Of Water

Often simple things in life are most overlooked. Drinking more water can help cleanse the system and is a proven and effective method to supplement your clinical UTI treatment. Drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water a day promotes frequent urination that helps flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract. In addition to reducing the infection stress in the body, consuming more than usual water helps alleviate discomfort due to the infection and can also reduce downtime. You can also mix it with various fruits, vegetables, green juices, vitamins, and minerals to fight against the disease and enable a more robust immune response. However, stay away from sugary drinks to avoid unnecessary/unwanted sugar consumption. You can regulate your water intake to the extent that you pass clear dilute urine four to six times daily. Frequent urination can reduce electrolyte balance in the body, so ensure you are smartly hydrating to keep up with your energy levels. Also, once you have an urge to pass urine, it is advised to empty your bladder and not hang on for too long. Remember, your goal is to get the bacteria out of the system and reduce the infection stress on the urinary tract. While going too often to the restroom may be frustrating, it is essential in cleansing your system.

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Azo Urinary Tract Infection Test Strips With Handle 3 Ct

Treating a urinary tract infection early is the key to fast UTI relief and preventing more serious problems. With AZO Test Strips, you can take a UTI test at home safely and simply, then call your doctor with the results. Easy to use, with accurate results in just two minutes. Take your health to the next level with guaranteed FSA eligible Over-the-Counter Meds.

• The same type of UTI tests that most doctors use to diagnose a UTI
• Two tests in one, including both Leukocyte and Nitrite tests
• Both tests commonly used to diagnose a UTI
• Clean grip handle is sanitary and easy-to-use
• Accurate test results
• Test results are ready to read in just two minutes

Still Unsure Try An At Home Uti Test

At home tests are a great way to detect a UTI before going to see your doctor. Some, like AZO Test Strips®, are the same urinary tract infection tests used in many doctors offices. The most reliable, over-the-counter UTI home test available, AZO Test Strips®offer two UTI tests in one including both Leukocyte and Nitrite tests. These tests performed together are more effective for detecting a UTI than testing for nitrite alone.

If you get a positive result, its time to call your doctor with the results. If your result is negative but you are experiencing symptoms, you should still call your doctor. A small number of people may not have detectable nitrites even though an infection is present.

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At Home Uti Test: How To Test For A Uti At Home

Completing an at home UTI test can seem like a convenient approach. I mean, seriously, if youre chained to a toilet, in pain, the last thing you want to do is leave home to get a test elsewhere.

Before you jump into ordering a home UTI test there are some important things you need to know.

The type of UTI test you choose can mean the difference between getting well or continuing to experience UTI symptoms. So well cover 4 popular options for at home UTI tests, and let you decide.

Weve also created a free download that provides a breakdown of the different types of testing. Provide the email address at which youd like to receive the download, at the end of this article. .

Jump To Section:

• Four at home UTI test options for you to consider. > > > >
• At home UTI test strips. > > > >
• Standard urine culture at home test. > > > >
• Advanced UTI test methods. > > > >
• How to collect a home UTI test sample like a pro. > > > >

Next Generation Sequencing: Pcr And 16s Technology

PCR and 16s technology use DNA sequencing to isolate and identify specific fragments of microbial DNA present in a human sample. One company that provides this type of service is MicroGenDX, a US based molecular laboratory.

Patients can order a UTI testing kit online, collect a urine sample at home, then ship it back. Practitioners can order testing kits on behalf of patients online as well.

MicroGenDX states that their tests identify 100% of the known bacteria, fungi and parasites in a urine sample from a database of > 50,000 species, with 99.9% accuracy.

Testing kits are available for both men and women. Weve covered the UTI testing service offered by MicroGenDX in much more detail in a dedicated article. Click the above link to read more.

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