The doctor will ask about the person's symptoms and health history. This may be enough to suspect a UTI.
You will be asked to give a clean catch urine sample. A lab will check it for certain bacteria.
A urine sample will be collected. These methods may be used to check for signs of infection:
- Dipstick—A coated stick is dipped into the urine sample to check for signs of infection
- Urinalysis—The sample is sent to a lab to look for signs of infection
- Urine culture—A sample is sent to a lab to see if bacteria will grow and to find out which bacteria is causing problems
References
Bladder infection (urinary tract infection)—UTI) in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Introduction to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/urinary-tract-infections-utis/introduction-to-urinary-tract-infections-utis. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (pyelonephritis and cystitis). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/uncomplicated-urinary-tract-infection-uti-pyelonephritis-and-cystitis. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Urinary tract infections in adults. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 03/30/2022