Testing
Testing for urinary tract infections involves the utilization of dipsticks tests which can be purchased for use at home or provided by the physician in the office. The dipstick test kit contains dipsticks, specially treated plastic strips help in the urine stream or in the sample of urine. The strips test for nitrite, a substance produced by most urinary tract infections. Some strips may also test for leukocytes, or white blood cells. An area on the end of the strip will change color if there is an infection present.
How To Prepare
A UTI test kit usually contains a clean collection cup, special plastic dipsticks, and instructions explaining how to perform the test. Wipe or towelettes are also recommended to clean the genital area before collecting samples of urine. A clock is also recommended to measure time in seconds.
Instructions/General Guidelines
Results
Testing for urinary tract infections involves the utilization of dipsticks tests which can be purchased for use at home or provided by the physician in the office. The dipstick test kit contains dipsticks, specially treated plastic strips help in the urine stream or in the sample of urine. The strips test for nitrite, a substance produced by most urinary tract infections. Some strips may also test for leukocytes, or white blood cells. An area on the end of the strip will change color if there is an infection present.
How To Prepare
A UTI test kit usually contains a clean collection cup, special plastic dipsticks, and instructions explaining how to perform the test. Wipe or towelettes are also recommended to clean the genital area before collecting samples of urine. A clock is also recommended to measure time in seconds.
Instructions/General Guidelines
- Do not urinate for at least 4 hours before testing. First morning urine samples provide the most accurate test results.
- Test urine within 15 minutes of collecting urine sample, or place dipstick in urine stream while urinating. Use a clean-catch midstream urine sample for testing.
- Wash hands and clean area around genitals to ensure cleanliness before collecting urine.
- Begin urinating and after the urine has flowed for several seconds, place the collection container into the steam and collect 45 mL to 60 mL of this "midstream" urine without interrupting the flow.
- Test the urine sample according to the directions included in the test kit package.
Results
- Normal Nitrite dipstick test: No nitrite is found in the urine. Normal results are called negative.
- Normal Leukocyte dipstick test: No leukocytes are found in the urine. Normal results are called negative.
- Abnormal Nitrite dipstick test: Nitrite is found in the urine. These results are called positive.
- Abnormal Leukocyte dipstick test: Leukocytes are found in the urine. These results are called positive.