The acronym UTI in medical circles stands for “urinary tract infection,” and it applies to a range of infections affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters and/or urethra. Many people get UTIs when fecal material containing harmful bacteria such as E. coli enters the urinary tract through the urethra. Women are more likely than men to contract at least one UTI in their lifetime because of the proximity of the female urethra to the anus. Men can develop UTIs if they’re using catheters or have certain medical conditions.
Testing for a possible UTI at home generally involves urinating on a test strip or dipping a test strip into a urine specimen. One of the best at-home UTI tests available is the AZO Urinary Tract Infection Test, a highly accurate test produced by a leader in the OTC urinary health industry.
Before investing in a UTI test kit, it helps to understand the most common symptoms and underlying causes. A potential kidney infection, for example, can start with back pain, high-grade fever and nausea. Bladder infections tend to involve frequent urination, pressure in the abdomen and the presence of blood in the urine. Urethral infection symptoms include painful urination and a visible discharge of pus.
The quality and frequency of urination is also an indication of a possible UTI. The urine may be cloudy, strong-smelling or contain red or pink streaks. UTIs trigger more frequent and painful urination, but the output is limited. Some UTI sufferers also experience mental confusion or a change in personality, one of the first symptoms experienced caregivers may recognize.
UTI test kits generally include a set of sterile test strips and a color chart for interpreting the results. Some UTI test kits require the patient to urinate directly on the strip, preferably during the first urination of the day. Others allow patients to urinate into a specimen cup for a dipstick test. Both methods tend to yield the same results. The strips react to the presence of one or two byproducts of a urinary tract infection: nitrites and leukocytes.
Less expensive UTI test kits typically react to nitrites only, but a positive result is still an indication that further testing would be warranted. More advanced at-home UTI tests also react to leukocytes, blood cell components the body uses to fight off an infection. A nitrite test usually produces results faster than a leukocyte test, but both results should be available within a few minutes.
When it comes to at-home tests, UTI test strips are generally considered among the most accurate, but false positives and negatives are still possible. Most mid-range to high-end UTI test kits use the same reactive chemicals and methods as the tests performed in a doctor’s office. A positive result from almost all at-home UTI test kits should be considered legitimate enough to schedule a doctor’s appointment or seek further testing at an urgent care facility or hospital.
UTI test kits vary noticeably in terms of size and scope. Advanced kits that test for both nitrites and leukocytes with clinical accuracy may only include three to five strips per package. This is generally enough to perform a screening test and a recheck. Other kits include a more generous supply of test strips, but they may only be formulated to test for nitrites, not leukocytes. Having additional strips on hand is a good idea for caregivers with patients who are prone to develop UTIs because of existing medical conditions.
Some UTI test manufacturers also offer other urinary health products designed to address the discomfort and duration of UTI symptoms. These often include natural supplements with cranberry derivatives, vitamins and OTC painkillers.
The most basic at-home UTI test strips (which may only detect nitrites, not leukocytes) can cost as little as $5 for a pack of three. Test kits designed to detect both nitrites and leukocytes generally cost in the $10-$20 range, while advanced test kits for complete urinalysis can cost $30 or more.
A. Healthy urine should be sterile, so any test results that detect the presence of nitrites or leukocytes should be seen as positive. The next step would be to contact your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. Additional tests such as a urine culture may need to be done to confirm the results, and prescription drugs such as antibiotics are often prescribed.
A. Yes, certain medications can influence the results of an over-the-counter "dipstick" UTI test, as well as possible contamination of the sample. The most common symptoms of a UTI, however, can still be present, such as painful and/or frequent urination, altered mental status and low-grade fever. If the UTI test results are negative but you're still experiencing symptoms, consult a medical professional for a higher-level test.
