The evolution of UTI testing continues, with mixed results.  There are currently three types of tests available.

I. Dipstick Tests Which Identify If UTI Bacteria Are Present

New three-test strips are now available which provide more helpful information than the “basic” strips used in the doctor’s office.  They can be purchased online here.  A urine sample is collected and a test strip is dipped into the urine sample to determine if bacteria are present.

The three tests include:

  • Leukocytes: white blood cells which indicate an inflammation in your body
  • Nitrites: healthy urine contains nitrates, but when bacteria are present, they turn nitrates into nitrites
  • pH: if urine is too alkaline or acidic it’s an indication that bacteria are present.  Read more about how to manage pH to avoid UTIs here.

How to read results:

  • Negative for UTI: both leukocytes and nitrites are NEGATIVE; pH is between 6 and 7
  • Positive for UTI : both leukocytes and nitrites are POSITIVE; pH is not between 6 and 7
  • Inconclusive Results: leukocytes are POSITIVE, nitrites are NEGATIVE and pH is between 6 and 7.  The leukocytes may indicate inflammation elsewhere in your body, but not the bladder (e.g. arthritis).

II. Urine Culture Tests

If the dipstick test shows the presence of UTI bacteria, your doctor may send your urine sample out to a laboratory in order to find out what type of bacteria is causing the infection.

This process analyzes the growth of bacteria in a petri dish.

This is an important step because it will indicate what type of antibiotic should be used to treat the infection.  And yet very few doctors are taking this step, likely due to the extra cost.  So, in many cases, the wrong antibiotic is prescribed, causing recurring UTIs.  You have a right to request a urine culture so that you know what you are dealing with!

There are basically two types of bacteria: gram-negative and gram-positive.  Read more about this at our blog site here.

  • D-Mannose can be used as an alternative to antibiotics for gram negative bacteria, which includes both Coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae; however, it will not help with gram-positive bacteria.
  • Cranberry Plus can protect against both types.

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III. Next Generation DNA Sequencing Tests

This is the state-of-the-art urine test.  You doctor must sign a form and a kit can be delivered to your home. You follow the instructions and send a urine sample directly to MicroGenDX’s lab via pre-paid FedEx.

A topline analysis will be sent to your doctor within 24-48 hours, and full report will follow within 3-5 days.

This test identifies all of the bacteria and fungi present by detecting their DNA with 99% accuracy. 

The good news is that the test can reveal hundreds of results; the bad news is that most doctors have not been trained on how to treat many of the microbes which are identified. 

The test may, or may not, be covered by your health insurance, but at $199 per test, it may be worth finding out what combination of germs may be preventing you from feeling better.  Learn more here.