Tests You Should Get Done If You Have Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection affecting your urinary system, which can include your kidneys (pyelonephritis), urethra (urethritis) and bladder (cystitis). Urine, a byproduct of the blood-filtering system performed by your kidneys, is created when excess water and waste products are removed from your blood. Normally, urine moves through your urinary system without contamination. However, bacteria can enter your urinary system, leading to UTIs. Keep reading to understand the tests employed by healthcare providers to diagnose UTIs.

How is a Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed?

To make a UTI diagnosis, your doctor will inquire about your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may suggest some tests. The following tests and procedures are commonly used to diagnose urinary tract infections:

Urinalysis

Urinalysis, also referred to as a urine test, is a common method for diagnosing UTIs. It comprises three components: a visual examination of the urine, a microscopic analysis, and a chemical assessment. Initially, your healthcare provider examines the colour and clarity of your urine sample. A UTI might make the urine appear cloudy and/or cola or reddish coloured. For the microscopic analysis, your urine is scrutinised for the presence of substances that are not typically found in urine, such as bacteria, white blood cells, red blood cells, and crystals. Subsequently, a dipstick test is utilised to assess the chemistry of your urine. In this process, a thin plastic stick containing chemicals is inserted into your urine to detect abnormalities, such as elevated pH levels, the presence of nitrites, leukocyte esterase (an enzyme found in certain white blood cells), and more. The strip changes colour if a substance is found at any level above normal. Results for these tests are promptly available, rendering urinalysis the preferred initial step in diagnosing UTIs. However, urinalysis alone usually does not provide a definitive UTI diagnosis.

Urine Culture

Following urinalysis, a urine culture may be conducted. This test enables the identification of the specific bacteria and yeasts responsible for the infection. Additionally, urine cultures assist doctors in determining the most effective antibiotic for treating a UTI. The urine culture test price can vary, depending on a number of factors including the diagnostic lab you choose. At Apollo 24|7, the urine culture test price is just ₹850.

 Susceptibility Test

If a urine culture yields positive results, your healthcare provider may conduct susceptibility testing. This test assesses the sensitivity of the bacteria to various antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Such testing aids doctors in selecting the most suitable treatment. While considered the most accurate test for diagnosing a UTI, susceptibility testing is costly and typically takes at least 48 hours to generate results.

Ultrasound

If you experience recurrent UTIs, your doctor might recommend an ultrasound to examine the bladder and kidneys for any abnormalities that may need treatment. During this procedure, sound waves are used to generate images of the internal structures of your body. A transducer is placed on the abdomen by the doctor or technician, and the images are displayed on a computer monitor. This is typically an outpatient procedure and does not require anaesthesia.

CT Scan

Your doctor might recommend a CT scan to obtain detailed, three-dimensional images of your urinary tract. This scan aids in identifying infections, stones, cysts, or tumours. During the procedure, you’ll lie down on a table that moves into a tunnel-like device where a series of X-rays will be taken to create three-dimensional images of your urinary tract. Like an ultrasound, this is usually an outpatient procedure and does not require anaesthesia.

Cystoscopy

Occasionally, a cystoscopy is conducted to determine the underlying cause of a recurring UTI. This procedure allows the doctor to examine the inside of the bladder for signs of infection or irritation. Additionally, cystoscopy can assist in identifying bladder-related issues such as obstructions, stones, or lesions that may be contributing to the symptoms or infection. During the examination, a slender, flexible scope is guided through the urethra into the bladder, and a sterile solution is injected to fill the bladder. Typically, this procedure is carried out in the doctor’s office under local anaesthesia.

MRI

You will be asked to lie on a table that moves into a tunnel-like device where magnets and radio waves create a series of images of the urinary tract from various perspectives. This is another outpatient procedure that does not require anaesthesia.

There are multiple methods to diagnose a UTI. Understanding which test is necessary will help ensure prompt treatment tailored to your needs. When UTIs are promptly and adequately treated, complications are rare.