Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your answers and a physical exam may point to a UTI.
You will be asked to give a clean catch urine sample. A lab will check it for certain bacteria.
You may need these urine tests:
- Dipstick—A coated stick is dipped into the urine sample. It changes color based on the what is found. It may find blood, pus, bacteria, or other agents. This can be done in a doctor's office.
- Urinalysis—A lab looks for blood, pus, and bacteria under a microscope. This is a more useful way of finding a UTI.
- Culture and sensitivity—A sample is sent to a lab to see if bacteria will grow. This helps find which bacteria is causing problems.
Other tests may be needed:
- For children and men who have a UTI
- To look for structural problems
- To rule out other causes
These tests may be:
Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated: 9/20/2018
