Home Test for Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infection Home Test

How To Prepare

Equipment

Most home test kits for urinary tract infections (UTIs) were originally designed for use in a health professional's office or lab. Some pharmacies stock these test kits or can order them for you without a prescription. Many types of home test kits can be ordered over the Internet.

A UTI test kit usually contains a clean collection cup, special plastic dipsticks, and instructions that explain how to perform the test. You will also need wipes or towelettes (to clean your genital area before collecting a urine sample) and a clock that measures time in seconds.

The collection cup must be clean and dry. Even a small amount of soap or detergent residue can interfere with test results. If you wash the container, rinse it with distilled water before use. Tap water often contains chlorine or other bacteria that may interfere with test results. The container must be at least 2 in. (5 cm) deep to allow you to immerse the dipstick completely.

General instructions

For any home test, you should follow some general guidelines:

• Check the expiration date on the package and do not use a test kit after its expiration date. The chemicals in the kit may not work properly after that date.
• Store the test kits as directed. Many kits need to be stored in a refrigerator or other cool place.
• Read the instructions that come with your test carefully and thoroughly before doing the test. Look for any special preparations you need to take before you take the test, such as avoiding certain foods or limiting your physical activity.
• Follow the directions exactly. Do all the steps, in order, without skipping any of them.
• If a step in the test needs to be timed, use a clock. Do not guess at the timing because this could change your results.
• If you are color-blind or have trouble telling one color from another, have someone else read the test results for you. Most test results depend on being able to see color changes on a test strip.
• Write down the results of the test so you can talk to your doctor about them.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 17, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
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