
The first step when testing a urine sample is usually to dip a dipstick - a thin, plastic stick with chemicals on it - into the urine. The urine sample you collect can then get tested in three ways: a urine dipstick, a urinalysis, and a urine culture.
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Getting a clean-catch urine sample is important - it stops bacteria on the skin from contaminating the urine sample. Whichever urine test you get, it’s important that you collect a “clean-catch” sample (also known as midstream urine sample).Īfter you have emptied your bladder a bit, use the sterile cup (supplied by your provider) to catch a sample of your urine midstream.
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How to take a urine sample for a UTI test It’s normal to have two tests: The first test confirms the diagnosis, and the second test gives more information on the type of infection and which antibiotics work best to treat it (more on this below). Some can give a result straight away, and others take a few days to come back. There are different types of urine tests. Your provider can usually do a UTI test right then and there in their office or lab. But if the infection has spread from the bladder to involve the kidneys, you may have back tenderness during the exam. With a simple (uncomplicated) UTI, most people have lower belly pain. If your symptoms are considered “typical,” and you’re otherwise in good health, then that may be all that’s required.īut, if your symptoms sound more severe, or your healthcare provider isn’t sure what’s going on, they may also do a physical exam and a UTI test. Oftentimes, a healthcare provider can diagnose a UTI based on your symptoms. Pain or burning during urination (dysuria) But, if you have a vagina, you’re more likely to get a UTI. But other types of bacteria, and even some fungi and viruses, can also cause them. The main cause of UTIs is a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. Most UTIs involve the lower tract of the urinary system (the urethra and bladder), but the upper tract (the kidneys and ureters) can also be involved.

It includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This is the body system where urine is collected and eliminated from your body.

There are few different UTI tests available - so which is best? When are they helpful? And how long does it take to get results? What is a urinary tract infection?Ī UTI is a common infection that affects your urinary tract. While your symptoms alone can give good clinical clues about an infection, a UTI test can definitively figure out if your urine is infected. After all, the symptoms are often obvious. If you think you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you may be wondering how to go about getting a UTI test - or whether a test is even necessary.
