Home Test For Urinary Tract Infections: How To Prepare

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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.

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.

Last updated:	July 08, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer