Tests and Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by fungi or viruses. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans. The National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for over eight million doctor visits annually.

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 11 November 2015

Diagnosis

History and physical exam may suggest whether you have a lower or upper UTI. Definitive diagnosis requires a “clean catch” urine specimen. This is urine collected from the middle of the urinary stream (decreases the contamination of cells and microbes). The doctor will instruct how to do a clean catch. The goal is to avoid picking up bacteria from patient’s skin.

Read: Know Your Tests: The Urine Test

Doctors will look for a large number of white blood cells in the urine. This can signal an infection. In UTI infections, urine will be collected and sent to laboratory for bacterial culture. This can identify the cause of infection. It can also help your doctor choose appropriate treatment.

If an upper UTI is suspected, it may also need a complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures. These can make certain that the infection hasn’t spread to the blood.

People with recurrent UTIs may need to be checked for obstructions. Some tests for this include:

Ultrasound
Intravenous pyelogram (radiological technique used to visualise abnormalities of urinary system including kidneys, ureter and bladder) (ivp) – this injected dye allows doctors to see the entire urinary tract.
Cystoscopy (procedure to visualise presence of cysts), which uses a small camera to examine the bladder. During a cystoscopy, doctor may remove a small piece of bladder tissue. This is called a biopsy. A biopsy can be used to rule out bladder cancer.

Community

Kidney, Urinary, Gastro Intestinal, Liver

Condition

Urinary Tract Infection

Stories

Together, We are Able to Overcome Rejections and Obstacles

Preethi Srinivasan was a young and energetic achiever in every sense of the word, till an accident made her a quadriplegic overnight. On Mother’s Day, Preethi’s mother Vijayalakshmi Srinivasan talks about what it means to be a mother and a friend to her daughter and to ensure her daughter always feels loved and cared for. From being a mother of a super achiever child to suddenly having to cope with the child's disability, what were your first thoughts and feelings? On the day of her accident,…
Asian children are more prone to developing kidney diseases

Today is World Kidney Day and the theme this year is ‘Kidney Disease & Children – Act Early to Prevent it’. We spoke to Dr Pankaj Deshpande, pediatric nephrologist, to apprise us about kidney disorders in children and how they can be alleviated. What are some of the common kidney diseases/disorders in children? How does it affect them? There are many kidney illnesses in children and that actually evokes surprise in a lot of people as they are quite unaware that kidney…
Urinary Tract Infection Prevention

Prevention Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine to prevent recurrent UTIs. In the meantime, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent UTIs. Health departments recommend: Wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily. Drinking water after having sex. Not holding urine for long periods of time. Cleaning your vaginal and rectal areas daily. Taking showers instead of baths. Wearing comfortable underwear, tight…
Management of Urinary Tract Infection

Here are some useful tips on management of Urinary Tract Infection including dietary guidelines, your UTI management team and what to watch out if you have frequent UTI infections If you are getting frequent infections, try to identify specific triggers as they can be avoided. For women, behavioural modifications such as avoiding use of spermicides, proper perineal care like wiping front to back and postcoital voiding is recommended. In post-menopausal women, vaginal estrogen application…
Urinary Tract Infection Treatments

Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Lower UTIs can be treated with oral antibiotics. Upper UTIs require intravenous antibiotics. Sometimes, bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. Urine cultures can help your doctor select an effective antibiotic treatment. The following antibiotics are used to treat UTIs: Beta-lactams, including penicillins and cephalosporins (for example, Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Keflex, Duricef, Ceftin, Lorabid, Rocephin, Cephalexin, Suprax and others). Trimethoprim -…
Tests and Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection

Diagnosis History and physical exam may suggest whether you have a lower or upper UTI. Definitive diagnosis requires a “clean catch” urine specimen. This is urine collected from the middle of the urinary stream (decreases the contamination of cells and microbes). The doctor will instruct how to do a clean catch. The goal is to avoid picking up bacteria from patient’s skin. Read: Know Your Tests: The Urine Test Doctors will look for a large number of white blood cells in the…
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of UTI depend upon what part of the urinary tract is infected. Lower UTIs are infections of the urethra and bladder. Their symptoms include: Burning with urination Increased frequency of urination with scant amounts of urine being passed Bloody urine (blood in urine) Cloudy urine (milky colored urine) Urine that looks like cola or tea (dark brown coloured urine) Strong odour to urine Pelvic pain (women - lower abdominal pain) Rectal pain (men - anal pain) Upper UTIs are infections of…
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

Anything that reduces the bladder emptying or irritates the urinary tract can cause UTIs. Many factors can put someone at risk. Obstructions: Blockages that make it difficult to empty the bladder can cause an UTI. Obstructions can be caused by an enlarged prostate, kidney stones and certain forms of cancer. Gender: Women are more likely to get UTIs. This is because their urethras are shorter. UTIs in men are less common and more serious. Sexual Activity: Pressure on the urinary tract during…
Types of Urinary Tract Infection and Complications

Types of UTI There are a number of different types of urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections usually develop first in the lower urinary tract (urethra, bladder). If these infections are not treated, they may progress to the upper urinary tract (ureters, kidneys). Bladder infection (cystitis) is by far the most common UTI. Infection of the urethra is called urethritis. Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a serious condition that requires urgent treatment. Pyelonephritis…
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters (which connect the kidneys and the bladder), bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by fungi or viruses. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans. The National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for over eight million doctor…