What is the Urinary Tract Infections Test (UTI) for?
The Urinary Tract Infections Test (UTI) can be performed at home and is used to verify the presence of leukocytes (white blood cells), blood, proteins and nitrite in the urine. Abnormal levels of these parameters within the urine are often symptoms of urinary tract infections.
Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection
UTI is a collective term that describes any infection involving any part of the urinary tract, namely the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Around 40% to 60% of women in the world develop urinary tract disorders at least once in their lifetime, of which about 10% suffer at least once a year. Men are subject to this condition only in 12% of cases, due to a different anatomical structure of this area.
The cause is mainly due to the presence of some bacteria, including the well-known Escherichia coli. The most common symptoms of inflammation due to a urinary tract infection are burning, urgent need to urinate, dysuria (difficulty in urinating), pain in the lower abdomen, production of cloudy urine, inability to completely empty the bladder and, in severe cases fever, lumbar pain and tremors." "
Who should use the UTI Test?
The Urinary Tract Infection Test is useful for anyone, both men, women and children who suffer from occasional or recurrent inflammation/infections of the urinary tract. The Test should be performed in presence of the following symptoms: excessive frequency and/or a burning sensation during urination, cloudy, opaque and/or bad-smelling urine.
How does the UTI Test work?
The Urinary Tract Infection Test consists of plastic strips which have several reactive areas. Once in contact with the urine sample, they change colour depending on the concentration of leukocytes, blood, proteins and nitrites. The UTI Test is intended for semi-quantitative analysis in the urine of the above-mentioned parameters which, if present in a higher level than the normal, may be the warning signal for any infectious state. The comparative chart provided with the Test allows you to easily read the results and identify any differing values.
1) The collection should be done with the first urine of the day.
2) Each area of the test strip checks 4 different parameters.
3) Dip the strip-test for 1-2 seconds.
4) Wait for 2 minutes then check the colours of the strip-test.
When should I use the UTI Test?
If you are suffering from symptoms outlined above relating to the urinary tract, and in particular women and children due to the short urinary ducts which favour the establishment and growth of bacteria. Men are less likely to be affected by urinary tract infections, but with advancing age, they can develop an enlarged prostate which can cause difficulty in the flow of urination or emptying of the bladder which can lead to frequent urinary tract infections.
Common questions asked to a Doctor:
What are the typical symptoms of a UTI? How do you determine what bacteria to treat for a UTI? What would you prescribe for a UTI? Is there a natural treatment for a urinary tract infection? How can I avoid getting UTI's in the future?"
