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Urinalysis / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Test
Urinalysis / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Test
This urinalysis (urine test) checks for indications of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If your UTI test results are abnormal, an independent physician may be able to provide you with treatment options. Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Urine
Preparation:
Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection.
Fasting is not required for this test.
What
Checks for various substances in your urine to look for evidence of a urinary tract infection.
Who
Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.
How
Urine
Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.
About the Test
This urinary tract infection test identifies abnormalities in the urine’s appearance, content, and concentration. The UTI urinalysis involves a visual, chemical (dipstick test), and microscopic examination of your urine sample to help identify signs of infection.
Urinalysis is not required to make a diagnosis, but it can offer a pathway to effective treatment, symptom relief, and complication prevention. An abnormal urinalysis by itself does not necessarily mean you have a UTI and need treatment. It is also possible to have a negative urinalysis and still have a UTI.
Buy your own UTI test online with Quest. No doctor’s visit is required – simply purchase UTI testing, visit a nearby Quest® location for sample collection, and get fast results.
How it works
questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.
FAQs
UTIs are common infections caused by microbes that enter the urinary tract, often from the skin or rectum. Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, and many of these infections are caused by E coli bacteria found in the bowel. Because the urethral opening is near bacteria sources in the anus and vagina, an individual’s anatomy further increases the risk of developing a UTI.
A UTI is an infection that can occur anywhere throughout the urinary tract and usually begins in the bladder or urethra. A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is a form of urinary tract infection that occurs when bacteria travel up the ureters and into one or both kidneys. While both types of infections share some common symptoms, such as back pain and cloudy urine, kidney infections are more severe and require immediate medical attention. If left untreated, this condition may result in permanent kidney damage.
Cystitis is a broad term that refers to inflammation of the bladder. A urinary tract infection is a type of cystitis caused by bacteria. Other causes of cystitis include radiation therapy, irritants, an autoimmune disorder, or a drug reaction. Cystitis symptoms include pain or burning during urination, pelvic pain, and feeling a strong urge to urinate. Some individuals also experience blood in their urine or cloudy or milky urine.
There are several factors that can increase your risk for getting a UTI, including:
- Having a UTI in the past
- Sexual activity, especially with a new partner
- Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina, which can be caused by menopause or the use of spermicides
- Pregnancy
- Age (older adults and young children are more prone to UTIs)
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.