Can I take a UTI test at home?
Whenever you experience any pain or irritation, it can be confusing and frustrating. Luckily, if you think you may have a UTI, Winx Health (formerly known as Stix) now offers an at-home UTI test! We outlined everything you need to know about our at-home UTI tests so you no longer have to wonder.
How to test for a UTI
Our UTI test detects a UTI by measuring the levels of leukocytes (white blood cells) and nitrite in your urine. The higher the detection levels of leukocytes and nitrite, the more likely you are to have a UTI. To take the UTI test, follow the instructions below.
- Feel free to use the pH balanced wipe over your urethra (where you urinate from). Remember the golden rule — wipe front to back!
- Unwrap the test, hold it by the thumb grip, and place it in your urine stream for 1-2 seconds. Make sure that both the top and bottom test pads are damp. (P.S. you can also urinate in a cup and then dip the test in!)
- Set the test on a flat surface, facing up, and wait one minute. At the one minute mark, hold the nitrite test result (top pad) up to the color chart and compare your result.
- Wait one more minute. At the two-minute mark, compare your leukocytes test result (bottom pad) to the color chart.
- Make sure to record your results! We suggest taking a picture of your test next to the color chart for future reference.
How accurate are home urinary tract infection tests?
Our tests are clinically tested at detecting common forms of UTIs. Remember, only a full urinalysis can detect every type of UTI. So if you have symptoms (even if you tested negative), please contact your primary care provider for assessment and treatment. You may get inaccurate results if:
- You’re dehydrated or so overly-hydrated that your urine is diluted.
- You experience color blindness (the test relies on color matching). Have someone check your results with you!
- You are already taking any kind of antibiotic.
- Your urine has a ph>8, AKA you’re experiencing kidney stones, severe vomiting, blood in your urine, or other factors that are altering your urine in major ways. In those cases, this test is not for you, but please talk to your primary care provider and take care.
- You’ve been taking medications or supplements that alter your urine color, such as drugs containing azo dyes (i.e. Pyridium®, Azo Gantrisin®, Azo Gantanol®), nitrofurantoin (Microdantin®, Furadantin®), riboflavin.
- Your UTI is caused by a bacteria that is not detectable by nitrite levels — this happens in a small number of cases and requires visiting your primary care provider.
How to read your at-home UTI test
To read your results, hold the test strip up to each color block and match it to the closest color block on the chart on your test wrapper. The color on your test strip indicates if you are positive, negative, or have traces of nitrite and leukocytes. Check out the below table to see what your results mean:
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What if your UTI test is positive?
If your UTI test results are positive, make an appointment with your primary care provider for assessment and treatment. Every UTI is different, and your primary care provider will be able to properly diagnose and treat your infection. If your tests show a negative result but you're still experiencing symptoms, contact your primary care provider immediately. We recommend checking out our fast-acting pain relief to alleviate the pain of your UTI while you wait for your appointment and staying hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Having a UTI is usually a negative and uncomfortable experience, but confirming your test results shouldn’t be. At Winx Health, we want to provide a better experience buying healthcare products and finding the information you can trust. For more like this, head to the Winx Health Library or reach out to us!
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