Home urinary tract infection (uti) test

A home test for urinary tract infection (UTI) may be done to:

• Find a UTI, especially in people who have UTIs often.
• Check how well treatment of a UTI is working. If you are being treated for a UTI, you can test your urine at home to see if the antibiotics have cured the infection.
• Test young children who have frequent bladder infections but may not be able to report their symptoms. A home test for these children is done under a doctor's care.

• Check the expiration date on the package. Do not use a test kit after its expiration date. The chemicals in the kit may not work as they should after that date.
• Carefully read the instructions that come with your test before you do the test.
• Follow the step-by-step directions.
• Compare your test strip with the colors provided with the test kit.

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.

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.