Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an all-too-common annoyance that can disrupt your daily life. When experiencing that telltale burning or constant urge to go, a UTI test can be your first step toward relief and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about UTI tests – from recognizing UTI symptoms to using at-home test kits, understanding your results, and taking the right steps for treatment and prevention. Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered to manage your health every step of the way.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when harmful bacteria (often from the skin or rectum) enter your urinary tract, typically through the urethra, and multiply in the bladder. Most UTIs are bladder infections (cystitis), though they can sometimes spread to the kidneys (a more serious infection known as pyelonephritis). UTIs are extremely common; in fact, about 50–60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Men can get UTIs too (about 12% of men over a lifetime), but women’s shorter urethra makes infections more likely for them. UTIs also account for around 8 million doctor visits in the US each year, underscoring just how widespread they are.

To learn more about how bladder infections are diagnosed and treated, you can also check our detailed guide on bladder infection: cystitis.

Why does testing matter? 

If you have UTI symptoms, confirming the infection with a test is important for getting the right treatment. A UTI test can identify signs of infection in your urine, such as bacteria or white blood cells, so you know for sure what’s going on. Without testing, symptoms like burning or pelvic pain could potentially be misdiagnosed – for example, similar discomfort might come from a vaginal yeast infection or other conditions. Prompt testing and treatment are key to relief. Left untreated, a simple bladder infection can sometimes spread to your kidneys or bloodstream and become more serious. By testing early, you can tackle the infection before it worsens and avoid unnecessary complications. In short, a UTI test gives you clear answers and guides you toward effective care.

In some cases, abnormal urine pH levels could also point toward infections or other urinary issues. To dive deeper into how urine pH relates to your urinary health, check out this guide on abnormal urine pH and its implications.

Finally, testing empowers you. Instead of worrying or guessing why you feel awful, you’ll know if it’s a UTI. That knowledge can be comforting and help you take the next steps with confidence.

Signs and Symptoms of UTIs (When Should You Test?)

How do you know if you might have a UTI in the first place? The symptoms of a bladder infection can range from mildly annoying to very painful. It’s important to listen to your body – if you notice the common signs of a UTI, that’s a good cue to consider taking a UTI test or seeing your healthcare provider.

Common UTI symptoms often include:

• Pain or burning during urination – a sharp, stinging sensation when you pee is one of the hallmark symptoms.
  
  

• Frequent urination – needing to urinate much more often than usual, even if only a little comes out each time.
  
  

• Urgency – feeling an intense urge to urinate right now, and difficulty holding it in. You might feel like you have to go again immediately after just going.
  
  

• Lower abdominal discomfort – pressure, cramping, or pain in your lower abdomen or pelvic area (where the bladder is).
  
  

• Cloudy or bloody urine – urine that looks cloudy, or sometimes pinkish/red (a sign of blood in the urine), can indicate an infection. Often it also has a strong, foul odor.
  
  

• Mild fever or fatigue – in a simple bladder infection, you might feel slightly tired or run-down. A high fever is less common in uncomplicated UTIs.
  
  

Most often, UTIs involve the bladder and urethra (lower urinary tract), which cause the above symptoms. If the infection travels up to the kidneys (upper urinary tract), more severe symptoms can appear, such as back or side pain, higher fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Flank pain (pain in your sides or lower back just below the ribs) and fever are warning signs a UTI may have reached the kidneys. This is a sign to seek medical care promptly. 

Keep in mind that not everyone experiences every symptom. Some people (especially older adults) may have atypical or very mild symptoms. In fact, it’s even possible to have bacteria in the urine without noticeable symptoms (a condition called asymptomatic bacteriuria). However, if you do notice the classic UTI symptoms like burning and urgency, it’s wise to take action.

Learn what causes UTIs and how to prevent them.

When should you use a UTI test? 

The short answer: as soon as you suspect a UTI from your symptoms. If you feel that familiar burn or are running to the bathroom every 20 minutes, an at-home UTI test can quickly indicate if an infection is likely. It’s best to test before starting any treatment (for example, don’t start antibiotics until you’ve confirmed it’s a UTI). An early test helps ensure you get the right diagnosis.

On the other hand, if you have severe symptoms, such as significant back pain, high fever, or vomiting, or if you are pregnant, see a doctor right away. Those situations may require immediate medical evaluation and lab testing. Likewise, men and young children with UTI symptoms should see a healthcare provider, as UTIs can be less common or more complex in these groups.

For typical cases (adult women with mild to moderate symptoms), an at-home UTI test is a convenient first step. It can confirm whether your symptoms are likely due to a UTI or if you might need to look for other causes. For example, vaginal infections can cause burning or urinary discomfort; a UTI test might be negative in that case, pointing toward a different issue. 

If your UTI test is positive, you’ll know the cause of your discomfort and can proceed to treatment (usually a course of antibiotics). If it’s negative but you still have symptoms, you should contact your provider for further evaluation – you might have a different kind of infection or need a more sensitive test. We’ll talk more about interpreting results in a bit. First, let’s look at what types of UTI tests are available and how they work.

Types of UTI Tests: From Lab to At-Home

When it comes to diagnosing a UTI, all roads lead to urine tests. Because the infection is in your urinary tract, examining your urine is the easiest way to find evidence of bacteria or inflammation. There are a few different types of UTI tests, and they often build on one another:

• Urine Dipstick Test (Urinalysis): A quick and commonly used test. A dipstick with reagent pads is dipped into a urine sample, changing color in the presence of substances like nitrites (indicating bacteria) and leukocyte esterase (indicating white blood cells). It can also detect blood or protein. Results are available in 1-2 minutes, making it a convenient screening tool often used at doctor’s offices and in at-home UTI test kits.

• Urine Culture: A more detailed lab test used to confirm UTI diagnoses. The urine sample is incubated to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine effective antibiotics (sensitivity testing). Although accurate, it takes 24-48 hours for results. Cultures are typically done if a dipstick test suggests infection, or for complicated or recurrent UTIs.

• Microscopic Urinalysis: Often done alongside a dipstick test. Urine is examined under a microscope after centrifuging, allowing direct detection of bacteria, white blood cells, or red blood cells. High levels of white blood cells (pyuria) strongly support a UTI diagnosis.

• Advanced Tests (e.g., PCR): These detect bacterial DNA or uncommon organisms and are not routine but may be used in special cases. Emerging at-home DNA testing services are also available, though they are newer and pricier.

• Imaging or Cystoscopy: Not routine for simple UTIs but used for recurrent UTIs or unusual symptoms. Imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan) checks for structural urinary tract issues. A cystoscopy involves using a scope to examine the bladder and is reserved for frequent infections or specific concerns.

At-Home UTI Test Strips

At-home UTI test kits offer a quick and convenient way to check for urinary tract infections. Typically, these kits include urine dipstick strips and a color chart (often on the bottle) for basic urinalysis. They are commonly available over the counter and test for nitrites and leukocytes, along with additional markers like pH or protein.

How to Use an At-Home UTI Test:

1. Clean-catch urine sample: Wash your hands and use a clean container (often provided in the kit). For females, wipe the genital area with a clean wipe to avoid contamination. Collect midstream urine to ensure accuracy.

2. Dip the strip: Submerge the test strip pads in the urine for a second or two, ensuring all pads are fully wet.

3. Wait: Hold the strip horizontally and wait for the recommended time (typically 1–2 minutes per pad). Timing is crucial for accurate results.

4. Read results: Compare the color changes on each pad to the chart. Pink on the nitrite pad indicates bacteria, while purple on the leukocyte pad suggests white blood cells.

You might find it helpful to explore this step-by-step guide on how to do a home test for urinary tract infections to better understand the process.

Understanding Your UTI Test Results

If your test is positive for nitrites and leukocyte esterase, it strongly suggests a bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacteria often convert nitrates into nitrites, and leukocytes—white blood cells—signal an immune response. If you used an at-home kit and received positive results along with symptoms like burning, urgency, or pelvic discomfort, contact your healthcare provider. You might say, "I took an at-home UTI test that was positive for nitrites and leukocytes, and I have symptoms." Your provider may begin treatment immediately or request further confirmation.

Sometimes, a test may also show positive for blood (hematuria). This is common, as many UTIs cause minor bleeding in the urinary tract. If blood appears alongside other positive markers, it further supports the diagnosis of a UTI. However, if blood is the only abnormal finding, it might be due to menstrual contamination, irritation, or another issue. Either way, it's important to inform your healthcare provider if you notice blood in your urine.

If your results are negative for nitrites and leukocytes but you still experience symptoms, it does not necessarily rule out infection. Some bacteria do not produce nitrites, or it may be early in the infection. If symptoms are mild and improving, you can monitor and retest. However, if they worsen or persist, seek medical evaluation. Your provider may order a more sensitive urine culture or investigate other causes, such as bladder irritation or vaginal infections.

Occasionally, you may have a positive test but no symptoms. This situation, called asymptomatic bacteriuria, means bacteria are present without causing an active infection. In most cases, no treatment is necessary unless you are pregnant or have certain health risks. Always check with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.

When you get a lab urinalysis report back from a doctor’s visit, you’ll see things like the following:

• Leukocyte esterase: positive
  
  

• Nitrites: positive
  
  

• WBC (white blood cells): X per hpf (high power field) – e.g. “50 WBC/hpf” means lots of white blood cells seen under the microscope, which indicates infection.
  
  

• RBC (red blood cells): X per hpf – some red blood cells can be present in UTIs.
  
  

• Bacteria: present or an actual quantification if microscopic exam was done.
  
  

• Epithelial cells: X – a high number of epithelial cells might suggest the sample was contaminated by skin flora, which can sometimes muddy the results.

If a urine culture was done, the report will list the organism (e.g. E. coli), along with a colony count (like “100,000 CFU/ml”), and a sensitivity panel showing which antibiotics the bacteria is susceptible or resistant to. For example, it might say E. coli – susceptible to Nitrofurantoin, Bactrim; resistant to Ampicillin. This helps the provider choose the right antibiotic.

 Find out why finding protein in urine matters during a UTI check.

What to Do Next

• If your test confirms a UTI: You can now take action. The standard treatment is a course of antibiotics, typically lasting 3-7 days depending on the medication. While waiting for treatment, drink plenty of water to flush your system and consider using an over-the-counter urinary pain reliever like phenazopyridine (AZO) to ease burning. Keep in mind, pain relievers only address symptoms—they don’t treat the infection itself.

• If your at-home test is negative but symptoms persist: Trust your body. You can retest the next morning as a first morning urine sample may be more concentrated and accurate. If the test is still negative and your discomfort continues, consult a healthcare provider. You may require a more detailed urine culture to identify the issue or explore other possible causes for your symptoms. Be prepared to share your symptoms and test results to guide your provider in determining the next steps.

• Re-testing after treatment: For most healthy individuals, follow-up testing isn’t necessary if symptoms are gone. But if your doctor advises it—especially for complicated UTIs—use any leftover home test strips a few days after completing antibiotics. If symptoms persist, consult your provider, as you may need a different antibiotic or further evaluation.

Taking these steps ensures proper care and peace of mind as you manage or recover from a UTI. Always prioritize professional help when symptoms are confusing or unresolved.

If you're interested in a broader health check that goes beyond UTI detection, exploring a rapid urine test could be beneficial. 

Treating a UTI: Next Steps After a Positive Test

Testing is just the beginning – once a UTI is confirmed, the focus shifts to getting you healthy again. The good news is that UTIs are very treatable, and people typically start feeling better within a couple of days of starting the right antibiotic. Here’s what to expect and how to manage your health after a positive UTI test:

1. Start Antibiotic Treatment: Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial UTIs. Common options for simple bladder infections include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), fosfomycin, or cephalexin, typically prescribed for 3 to 7 days. Always complete the full course as directed to prevent relapse. Your doctor will choose an antibiotic based on your infection type, allergies, and culture results. Report any side effects, such as an upset stomach or yeast infection, to your doctor.

2. Symptom Relief: While antibiotics work, manage symptoms with hydration to flush bacteria and dilute urine, reducing stinging. Over-the-counter phenazopyridine (e.g., AZO) can ease burning and urgency but only for short-term use. Use a heating pad for pain relief and avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. Cranberry products or D-mannose may help prevent future infections but shouldn’t replace antibiotics. Rest and follow your doctor’s advice for a full recovery.

3. Monitoring Progress: After starting treatment, your symptoms should gradually improve. Typically, within 24 to 48 hours you’ll notice less burning and less frequent urination as the antibiotic takes effect. Keep track of how you feel. It’s normal for it to take the full course of antibiotics to feel 100%, but you should see a steady improvement. If you had a fever or flank pain, those should resolve as well. If you’re not feeling any better after about 48 hours on antibiotics, or if symptoms are getting worse, contact your provider. Sometimes the bacteria causing the UTI might be resistant to the chosen antibiotic, and you might need to switch medications (this is where the urine culture results, if done, become very useful). Don’t suffer in silence – a simple change in prescription could make a world of difference if the first antibiotic isn’t working.

It’s worth noting that if you had a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), the treatment might be longer (often 7-14 days of a stronger antibiotic), and sometimes even IV antibiotics are required if it’s severe. Symptoms like fever and back pain may also take a bit longer to fully resolve in those cases. Always finish the entire antibiotic course even if you feel better, to ensure the infection is completely cleared.

4. Follow Up: Most uncomplicated UTIs don’t require follow-up if symptoms improve. However, if UTIs recur or occur within a short time, inform your doctor. They may investigate underlying causes or suggest preventive measures. For UTIs in pregnancy or kidney involvement, follow-up urine tests may confirm the infection is cleared. If symptoms return after treatment, it could mean the infection wasn’t fully resolved or is a new infection. Discuss prevention strategies with your provider.

5. When to Seek Help: If symptoms worsen—like high fever, chills, severe back pain, or vomiting—seek medical attention immediately, as these could indicate complications. After treatment, report unusual symptoms like blood in urine or persistent issues to ensure the infection is completely resolved.

Preventing Future UTIs (Tips for Staying Healthy)

Once you’ve been through a UTI, you’ll probably want to do everything you can to avoid another one. While some people are more prone to UTIs than others, several prevention strategies may help reduce your risk of future infections. These tips are especially useful if you get UTIs frequently, but they’re good practice for anyone who wants to keep their urinary tract healthy:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria through frequent urination. Aim for light yellow urine. 

• Don’t Hold It: Use the bathroom when you feel the urge. Holding urine gives bacteria time to grow. 

• Wipe Front to Back: For women, wiping this way prevents bacteria from entering the urethra, especially after bowel movements. 

• Urinate After Sex: Sexual activity can push bacteria into the urethra. Urinate within 15-30 minutes afterward to flush it out. 

• Practice Proper Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry. Use gentle, unscented soap externally, avoid douching, and consider showers over baths. 

• Avoid Spermicides: If frequent UTIs occur, consider switching from spermicidal contraceptives to gentler options. 

• Wear Breathable Underwear: Choose cotton fabrics to reduce moisture, which can encourage bacteria. 

• Try Cranberry Products: Unsweetened cranberry juice or supplements may help prevent UTIs by reducing bacterial adhesion. Consult your doctor if on medication. 

• Use Probiotics: Probiotics, oral or vaginal, may reduce UTIs by promoting healthy bacteria. 

• Postmenopausal Care: For postmenopausal women, topical estrogen may restore vaginal health and reduce UTIs—consult your doctor.

No prevention tip is foolproof, but combining several of these habits can significantly cut down your chances of getting another infection. And of course, if you do get symptoms again, you now know exactly what to do: test and treat promptly, rather than waiting.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Urinary Health

Urinary tract infections are common and, when identified early, can be effectively treated to prevent complications. Recognizing symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urgency, and pelvic discomfort is important for timely testing and diagnosis. At-home UTI tests can provide a convenient first step, but persistent or severe symptoms should prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional. Staying well-hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking prompt treatment when needed can help manage infections and reduce the risk of recurrence. If symptoms do not improve with initial treatment or if infections occur frequently, further medical evaluation may be necessary. Early intervention and appropriate care are key to maintaining urinary health and preventing more serious conditions.

If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient way to stay on top of your urinary health, Ribbon Checkup’s at-home UTI and 10-in-1 health test kits are a smart choice. With quick, science-backed results and a user-friendly app, you can monitor key health markers from the comfort of your home. Plus, every order comes with free shipping and a 30-day free trial of our instant health insights app.

Try Ribbon Checkup today and take the next step toward confident, proactive health care.

Written by Abel Tamirat, MD
Dr. Abel Tamirat is a licensed General Practitioner and ECFMG-certified international medical graduate with over three years of experience supporting U.S.-based telehealth and primary care practices. As a freelance medical writer and Virtual Clinical Support Specialist, he blends frontline clinical expertise with a passion for health technology and evidence-based content. He is also a contributor to Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs.

References

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Bono, M. J., & Leslie, S. W. (2025, February 21). Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from Nih.gov website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470195/#

CDC. (2024, April 24). Urinary Tract Infection Basics. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from Urinary Tract Infection website: https://www.cdc.gov/uti/about/index.html

Clinic, C. (2021, December 7). A urine culture is a test healthcare providers use to check for a urinary tract infection (UTI) by seeing if bacteria or fungi can grow from a sample of your pee. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22126-urine-culture 

https://www.facebook.com/WebMD. (2017, February 15). Can I Take a Home Test for a UTI? Retrieved April 28, 2025, from WebMD website: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/home-test-for-uti 

NHS website. (2017, October). Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Retrieved April 28, 2025, from nhs.uk website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/ 

Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2025). Retrieved April 28, 2025, from Mayoclinic.org website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353453