A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) test is essential for accurately diagnosing infections in the urinary tract, which can include the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Common symptoms of a UTI include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain. Diagnosing a UTI often involves two main types of tests: urinalysis and urine culture.
- Urinalysis: This test evaluates the physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics of urine. During urinalysis, a sample of urine is checked for indicators like white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria, which suggest an infection. The urinalysis may also detect nitrites and leukocyte esterase—two markers that often point to a bacterial UTI.
- Urine Culture: If the urinalysis indicates infection, a urine culture is typically performed. This test involves placing the urine sample in a culture medium to see if bacteria grow, which helps to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. Knowing the bacterial strain enables healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective antibiotic treatment, reducing the likelihood of antibiotic resistance.
- Other Considerations: In some cases, additional tests may be performed, such as imaging studies or cystoscopy, especially for patients with recurrent UTIs or those who don’t respond to standard treatments. These tests help identify structural issues or underlying health problems that may contribute to frequent infections.
Timely testing is critical because untreated UTIs can lead to complications, including kidney infections or sepsis. For people at higher risk, like pregnant women, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, early diagnosis and treatment are especially important.
My Care Labs in Fremont, CA, provides fast and reliable UTI testing, helping patients access the care they need promptly. With experienced staff and efficient services, My Care Labs can make the testing process simple and informative.
For more information about testing and how My Care Labs can help, please check our website or contact our team.
Visit: https://mycarelabs.com/
Email: support@mycarelabs.com
Phone: +1-800-790-4550
Address: 5500 Stewart Avenue, Suite 108, Fremont