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Urinary Tract Infection


Diagnosis

Physician developed and monitored.

Original source: www.urologychannel.com
Original Date of Publication: 10 Jun 1998
Reviewed by: Daniel Khouri, M.D., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 10 Apr 2008

Important Facts

  • Urinary tract infections are diagnosed through examination of a urine sample
  • Clean-catch urine specimen often is used to diagnose UTI
  • Urinalysis can detect increased levels of white blood cells in the urine
  • UTI diagnosis also may involve a urine culture to determine the type of bacteria

Home » Urinary Tract Infection » Diagnosis

Diagnosis



A clean-catch urine specimen is obtained to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI). This test involves cleansing the area around the urethral opening and collecting a mid-stream urine sample, preventing bacteria in the genital area from contaminating the sample.

Urinalysis is performed to determine the level of white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria (leukocytes) in the urine. A large number of these cells may indicate bacterial infection.

A culture and sensitivity (induced growth of the bacteria) may be done to determine the type of bacteria and how to treat the infection.



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