The acronym UTI in medical circles stands for “urinary tract infection,” and it applies to a range of infections affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters and/or urethra. Many people get UTIs when fecal material containing harmful bacteria such as E. coli enters the urinary tract through the urethra. Women are more likely than men to contract at least one UTI in their lifetime because of the proximity of the female urethra to the anus. Men can develop UTIs if they’re using catheters or have certain medical conditions.
Testing for a possible UTI at home generally involves urinating on a test strip or dipping a test strip into a urine specimen. One of the best at-home UTI tests available is the AZO Urinary Tract Infection Test, a highly accurate test produced by a leader in the OTC urinary health industry.
What to know before you buy a UTI test
Urinary tract infection symptoms
Before investing in a UTI test kit, it helps to understand the most common symptoms and underlying causes. A potential kidney infection, for example, can start with back pain, high-grade fever and nausea. Bladder infections tend to involve frequent urination, pressure in the abdomen and the presence of blood in the urine. Urethral infection symptoms include painful urination and a visible discharge of pus.
The quality and frequency of urination is also an indication of a possible UTI. The urine may be cloudy, strong-smelling or contain red or pink streaks. UTIs trigger more frequent and painful urination, but the output is limited. Some UTI sufferers also experience mental confusion or a change in personality, one of the first symptoms experienced caregivers may recognize.
Test methodology
UTI test kits generally include a set of sterile test strips and a color chart for interpreting the results. Some UTI test kits require the patient to urinate directly on the strip, preferably during the first urination of the day. Others allow patients to urinate into a specimen cup for a dipstick test. Both methods tend to yield the same results. The strips react to the presence of one or two byproducts of a urinary tract infection: nitrites and leukocytes.
Less expensive UTI test kits typically react to nitrites only, but a positive result is still an indication that further testing would be warranted. More advanced at-home UTI tests also react to leukocytes, blood cell components the body uses to fight off an infection. A nitrite test usually produces results faster than a leukocyte test, but both results should be available within a few minutes.
Accuracy
When it comes to at-home tests, UTI test strips are generally considered among the most accurate, but false positives and negatives are still possible. Most mid-range to high-end UTI test kits use the same reactive chemicals and methods as the tests performed in a doctor’s office. A positive result from almost all at-home UTI test kits should be considered legitimate enough to schedule a doctor’s appointment or seek further testing at an urgent care facility or hospital.
UTI test features
Package size
UTI test kits vary noticeably in terms of size and scope. Advanced kits that test for both nitrites and leukocytes with clinical accuracy may only include three to five strips per package. This is generally enough to perform a screening test and a recheck. Other kits include a more generous supply of test strips, but they may only be formulated to test for nitrites, not leukocytes. Having additional strips on hand is a good idea for caregivers with patients who are prone to develop UTIs because of existing medical conditions.
UTI health supplements
Some UTI test manufacturers also offer other urinary health products designed to address the discomfort and duration of UTI symptoms. These often include natural supplements with cranberry derivatives, vitamins and OTC painkillers.
UTI test cost
The most basic at-home UTI test strips (which may only detect nitrites, not leukocytes) can cost as little as $5 for a pack of three. Test kits designed to detect both nitrites and leukocytes generally cost in the $10-$20 range, while advanced test kits for complete urinalysis can cost $30 or more.
UTI test FAQ
What should I do if I get a positive result on an at-home UTI test?
A. Healthy urine should be sterile, so any test results that detect the presence of nitrites or leukocytes should be seen as positive. The next step would be to contact your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. Additional tests such as a urine culture may need to be done to confirm the results, and prescription drugs such as antibiotics are often prescribed.
I take prescription and OTC medications every day. Can this affect the results of an at-home UTI test?
A. Yes, certain medications can influence the results of an over-the-counter “dipstick” UTI test, as well as possible contamination of the sample. The most common symptoms of a UTI, however, can still be present, such as painful and/or frequent urination, altered mental status and low-grade fever. If the UTI test results are negative but you’re still experiencing symptoms, consult a medical professional for a higher-level test.
Which UTI test should I get?
Best of the best UTI test
AZO Urinary Tract Infection Test: available at Amazon
Our take: These high-end at-home UTI test strips provide fast results for caregivers who suspect a UTI and need to start the treatment process quickly.
What we like: Accurate results are possible in as little as 2 minutes. The strips react to both nitrites and leukocytes. A special grip helps avoid contamination while handling the strips. The formulation is very similar to medical-grade test strips. The manufacturer also offers other products to address UTI issues.
What we dislike: The test strips can change colors after a few minutes. These may be too expensive for users who need to test frequently.
Best bang for your buck UTI test
Health Metric UTI Test Strips: available at Amazon
Our take: These affordable UTI test strips are good to have on hand when you suspect an infection but can’t schedule a medical appointment.
What we like: The testing kit includes 50 strips for users who need to test frequently. Results are possible after 2 minutes. A reusable collection cup is included. Strips react to both nitrites and leukocytes.
What we dislike: The testing procedure may be too complicated for some users. The results can be inconsistent from strip to strip.
Honorable mention UTI test
Easy@Home Urinary Tract Infection Test: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordably priced UTI test kit is a good mid-range solution for users who want to test fairly frequently but still get reliable results at home.
What we like: Each kit contains 10 test strips, enough for rechecks and confirmations. The strips react to both nitrites and leukocytes and are comparable to professional-grade tests. The testing process is fast and straightforward, and nitrite results are available after 1 minute.
What we dislike: Some users report false-negative results. The strips have a relatively short shelf life. Michael Pollick is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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