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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. You can buy a home urinary tract infection (UTI) test kit. They are available without a prescription at a drugstore or online. The home test kit contains specially treated test strips.You hold them in your urine stream or dip them in a sample of your urine. The strips check for nitrites and leukocytes produced by most UTIs. Some tests also show the pH of the urine, which can be another sign. Each type of test kit will have a label showing what is being checked. The test strip has areas that will change color after being in contact with urine. This can show if you have signs of a UTI. Most UTIs are easy to cure with antibiotics. But an untreated infection may spread to the kidneys and cause a more serious problem. If you use a home test kit, make sure that your doctor knows about any abnormal test results. And if your test doesn't show that you have a UTI but you are having symptoms, call your doctor. The results of a home test kit are usually accurate, but they can miss an infection. Sometimes another test, called a urine culture, is needed. A home test for urinary tract infection (UTI) may be done to: A urinary tract infection (UTI) test kit usually contains a clean collection cup, special plastic dipsticks, and instructions that explain how to perform the test. You will need a clock that measures time in seconds. You will also need wipes or towelettes to clean your genital area before you collect a urine sample. Compare your test strip with the colors provided with the test kit. This test usually doesn't cause any pain or discomfort. Collecting a urine sample does not cause problems. A home test may not be as accurate as tests done in a doctor's office or a hospital. Results from test strips are ready right away. Normal: Nitrite test strip: No nitrite is found in the urine. Normal results are called negative. Leukocyte test strip: No white blood cells (leukocytes) are found in the urine. Normal results are called negative. Abnormal: Nitrite test strip: Nitrite is found in the urine. These results are called positive. Leukocyte test strip: White blood cells (leukocytes) are found in the urine. These results are called positive. Some test kits also check the urine pH. Use the test result instructions that come with your kit. Your test results might show if your urine pH is in the range where a UTI is likely. Call your doctor if the test result is positive. And if you are having symptoms of a UTI, such as a burning sensation when urinating or blood in your urine, call your doctor even if the test results are negative. Sometimes other tests are needed. Current as of: April 30, 2024 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Current as of: April 30, 2024 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Home Test for Urinary Tract Infections
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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.