Urinary Tract Infection Test

This is a simple at-home test with instant results to detect an ongoing urinary tract infection. The test checks for leukocytes, nitrate, and blood in your urine sample to detect a possible urinary tract infection. The test result is displayed by visually comparing it with a colour chart found inside the package, so you don't need to send this test to a lab for analysis.

Exploring the Gut-Urinary Link

If you're experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections, understanding your gut health can be a crucial step in managing and potentially reducing future episodes. The gut microbiome plays an essential role in overall health and immunity, and imbalances can indirectly contribute to UTIs. Our Gut Microbiome Small test offers insights into your intestinal flora, helping you gain a more comprehensive understanding of your body's interconnected systems.

About the urinary system

Urinary tract infection is a serious health problem that affects millions of people every year. Normal urine is sterile; it contains fluids, salts, and waste products but is free from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A urinary tract infection occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, get trapped at the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. In most cases, bacteria first grow in the urethra.

An infection limited to the urethra is called urethritis. From there, bacteria often progress to the bladder, causing a urinary tract infection called cystitis. If the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria can then travel up the ureters to infect the kidneys. This infection is called pyelonephritis.

The urinary system is structured in a way that helps ward off infections. The ureters and bladder normally prevent urine from backing up toward the kidneys, and the flow of urine from the bladder helps flush bacteria out of the body. In men, the prostate gland produces secretions that slow bacterial growth. In both men and women, the immune system also prevents potential infections. However, despite these protective measures, infections still occur. Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria normally found in the colon, causes about 80% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults. These bacteria can enter the urethral opening from the surrounding skin. Other bacteria that cause UTIs include Staphylococcus, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma. Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. One reason for this is that their urethral opening is closer to the source of bacteria (i.e., anus and vagina), and the urethra is shorter, allowing bacteria easier access to the bladder. Another factor is that the prostate gland in men produces secretions that reduce bacterial growth, as mentioned earlier.

Common symptoms of lower urinary tract infection

• Back pain
• Blood in urine
• Cloudy urine
• Inability to urinate despite the need
• Fever
• Frequent urge to urinate
• General discomfort
• Painful urination

Common symptoms of upper urinary tract infection

• Chills
• High fever
• Pain below the ribs
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Storage

Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F). Do not store the test strips in the refrigerator or freezer. Do not expose the test strips to moisture, heat, or light before use. Use the test strip immediately after opening the foil pouch.

How does the urinary tract infection test work?

Start by collecting urine in a glass or cup. Ideally, perform the test in the morning after showering, as morning urine is best for the urine sample. Take one test strip out of the package and hold it by the completely white end without coloured squares. Dip the coloured part of the test strip into the urine in the glass for a maximum of one second. Take out the test strip and gently tap it against the edge of the glass to remove excess urine. Hold the test strip horizontally for 30-60 seconds to allow the reaction to occur. Read your result by comparing the colours of the reaction on the strip with the colour chart in the package.

Test limitations

Effects of Abnormal Urine Colour on the Test: Certain medications can change urine colour, influencing the colour development on the test strip. This might hide the colour development on the reagent pad or trigger a reaction that appears falsely positive. If you're uncertain about the results, repeat the test once you've stopped taking the medication.

Leukocytes: The test result might not always match the number of leukocytes seen under a microscope. Factors like high humidity, high temperature, and flaws in the vial's integrity can lead to positive results. Sometimes, samples from women might show positive results if vaginal discharges contaminate them.

Nitrite: You should interpret any consistent pink colour development as positive. However, ignore pink spots or pink edges. The colour intensity doesn't necessarily reflect the number of bacteria present. The test specifically identifies nitrite-producing bacteria. But remember, some bacteria don't produce nitrite. So, even if the result is negative, it doesn't guarantee the absence of a urinary tract infection.

Blood: A false positive result can sometimes occur when bacteria are present in the urine. Ascorbic acid or protein may reduce the reactivity of the blood test. Strong oxidising agents, such as hypochlorites, can give a false positive result. Urine from menstruating women often, but not always, gives positive results.