The best urine test to do at home to detect a urinary tract infection is done with a strip that you can buy at the pharmacy and dip it in a small amount of urine made in a clean container such as a plastic cup, for example.
This urine test is very simple and can be performed at any time of the day, the result appearing in a few minutes, indicating whether there is a urinary tract infection present or not, and if the result is positive you should go to the urologist or gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis, with a more specific laboratory test, identifying the bacteria present in the urine and thus initiating the most appropriate treatment, which usually includes the use of antibiotics.
- This home test is simple and fast.
- And detected urine changes help confirm suspected urinary tract infection to initiate treatment early and avoid complications.
- Especially in people with many urinary tract infections.
- So find out what symptoms may indicate a urinary tract infection.
- Urinary tract infection: Symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
To perform the urine test with a test strip, you should
However, before performing the urine test at home, it is important to read the package instructions, as the indications may vary with the mark of the purchased test, especially the waiting time until the results are read.
In addition, it is important to wash the intimate area with water and throw away the first stream of urine, then collect the remaining urine in the container, which in the end should be thrown away.
The urine test packaging contains small squares of colors that identify certain elements that may appear in the urine, such as blood, and in the case of a urinary tract infection, some of these components change color from the standard color.
When you have a urinary tract infection, it is normal for the square corresponding to leukocytes, nitrites, blood and pH to be different from the standard color, however, this does not mean that there is a change in all the elements at the same time. Also, the stronger the color, the more severe the infection.
However, if the color change appears only on the sides of the squares or if the reading is done after the specified time, which is usually more than 2 minutes, the results can be modified and therefore unreliable.
If the color of these elements turns out to be stronger, you should see your doctor to confirm the infection, which is done with a lab urine test. Learn more about: Urine test.
If the infection is confirmed, your doctor indicates that treatment, which in most cases is done with the use of antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole and trimethrome, in addition to drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Find out how to naturally fight urinary tract infections in the video below:
For more information about urinary tract infections, see: