UTI Diagnosis
Procedures and tests used to diagnose UTI include:
Analyzing a urine sample – Your doctor may need your urine sample to check the presence of red blood cells (casts), white blood cells, or bacteria. To avoid possible contamination of the urine sample, the doctor may instruct you first to wipe your genital area with any antiseptic pad and to collect the urine sample midstream.
Growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab – A urine culture sometimes supports lab analysis of the urine sample. These tests will help your doctor to find out what bacteria are causing your UTI and which medications will be effective against them.
Creating images of your urinary tract – If you are facing frequent infections that according to your doctor may be caused by an abnormality or blockage in your urinary tract, you may have a computerized tomography (CT) scan, an ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The doctor may also practice a contrast dye to highlight different structures and organs in your urinary tract.
Using an endoscope to see inside your bladder – If you have recurrent UTI, your doctor may conduct a cystoscopy, in which a long, thin tube with a lens (cystoscope) is used to see the linings of your bladder and urethra. The tube is inserted within your urethra and entered in your bladder.