Key Takeaways:

• Of the tests available (dipstick, urine culture, PCR, and NGS tests), test strips (used in dipstick tests) are the most commonly used and affordable.
  
• Positive test results are usually accurate, but negative results may not be.
  
• If you have symptoms of UTI, you should see a doctor for treatment regardless of whether your test results are positive or negative.
  
  
  

Urinary tract infections are a common infection that accounts for 8 million doctor visits yearly. These infections can be uncomfortable, even painful.

Luckily, several at-home UTI tests provide accurate results in minutes. This article will explore some of the best home test options, how to read your test results, and what to do once you’ve gotten your results.

What are the benefits of at-home UTI test strips?

At-home UTI tests can help you confirm signs of a urinary tract infection without having to leave home. They are widely available and affordable and can help you potentially rule out other possible causes of symptoms.

A positive test result, meaning the test sees signs of UTI, from an at-home UTI test is usually accurate in telling you that you do have UTI. You can show your results to a provider in person or over a telehealth appointment for a diagnosis, further testing, or treatment prescription.

Limitations of at-home UTI test strips

UTI test strips are not sensitive enough to see signs of all cases of UTI. As a result, negative test results may not be accurate. In addition to not being sensitive enough, cross-contamination, age, and certain foods and drugs (like antibiotics, vitamin C supplements, or food dyes) can affect the accuracy of your test. Some OTC medications for UTIs, like pyridium (found in AZO) also change the color of urine, which can affect the accuracy of test results. You can get a negative result from an at-home test but still have a UTI.

If you test negative for a UTI but have UTI symptoms, you should talk to a healthcare provider. UTI test strip instructions also recommend talking to a provider if you test negative but still have symptoms.

UTIs are usually treated with a course of antibiotics, which requires a prescription. So, even if you test positive, you’ll still have to speak to a healthcare provider.

If you test positive, you must consult a provider for a definitive diagnosis. If a healthcare provider diagnoses you with a UTI, they can talk you through the best treatment options so you can start feeling better soon.

Types of at-home UTI tests

UTI test strips, used in dipstick tests, are the most affordable and common type of urinary tract infection test. These urine tests check for leukocyte (white blood cell) and nitrite levels. Increased white blood cell levels are a common sign of an infection, and nitrites in the urine is often a key indicator of a urinary tract infection.

To use a test strip kit, you need to urinate on the test strip supplied with the kit. After a few minutes, the strip will change color depending on your test results. The test kit comes with a color chart to help you interpret your results.

These UTI tests are available over-the-counter, meaning you can buy them without a prescription from a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, these tests can help you determine if a UTI is the cause.

How it works:
AZO test strips feature both a leukocyte test and a nitrite test. Hold the test strip under your urine stream. Once removed from the stream, the strip will change colors. Match this color to the color blocks on the foil pouch that comes with the test kit.

How to read your results:
You will get your results from an AZO test within 2 minutes. If your nitrite test shows negative results but you are still experiencing symptoms, you should talk to a healthcare provider. Discuss scheduling a urinalysis (urine sample) test at a doctor’s office. Some people may not have detectable levels of nitrites in their urine, even though an infection is present. If you test positive, get in touch with a provider for a diagnosis so you can start treatment.

Where to get AZO Test Strips:
AZO Test Strips can be purchased online for $10.49 + shipping. 3 test kits are contained in a single package.

Why we like AZO Test Strips:

• Fast results
  
• Easy-to-use
  
• The package contains multiple tests
  
  

How it works:
Stix test strips check for both leukocyte and nitrite levels in the urine. After using one of the pH-balanced wipes to clean the urethra, urinate on one of the test strips.

How to read your results:
Your test results should be ready after 2 minutes. Compare the color of the test strip with the color indications on the packaging. Upload your results via the QR code on the packaging to instantly connect with a healthcare provider to discuss the next steps. False positive results are rare but may occur (especially in older adults). If you are experiencing symptoms and receive a positive test result, you likely have a urinary tract infection. If you do not have symptoms and test positive, you should schedule an appointment for a full urinalysis test.

Where to get Sixt Test Strips:
Stix Test Strips can be purchased online for $15.00 + shipping. Shipping is free if your order is over $30. 3 test kits and 3 pH-balanced wipes are contained in a single package.

Why we like Sixt Test Strips:

• Easy-to-use
  
• Fast results
  
• Instant access to healthcare providers and treatment
  
  

How it works:
Easy@Home tests work just like the AZO and Stix strips. A single package contains 25 UTI test strips, making this one of the more cost-effective options. To use Easy@Home strips, collect urine in a jar or container. Dip the test strip into the urine sample.

How to read your results:
You will get your results within 2 minutes. Match the color of the test strip to the chart on the package to see leukocyte and nitrate levels in the urine. Easy@Home test strips have been shown to yield both false positive and false negative results. If you test negative but are experiencing UTI symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider. If you test positive, talk to a provider to discuss your results and get a definite diagnosis (so you can begin treatment).

Where to get Easy@Home UTI Tests:
Easy@Home test strips are widely available at most pharmacies and online. A pack of 25 test strips will usually cost between $6.50 and $8. The package contains the test strips and a color chart to help you interpret your results.

Why we like Easy@Home UTI Tests:

• Very affordable (about $8 for 25 test strips)
  
• Fast results
  
• FDA-approved
  
  

How it works:
Uqora is a woman-owned urinary health company that specializes in UTI test kits and women’s health and wellness products. Their Emergency Kit tests for both leukocytes and nitrite levels in the urine. The package also comes with 12 infection control pills (containing sodium salicylate and methenamine) and 12 pain relief tablets (containing Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride). These are OTC drugs that can be purchased without a prescription.

How to read your results:
You will get your UTI test results within 2 minutes after urinating on the test strip. After 2 minutes, match the color of the test strip to the color chart on the foil pouch. These tests are effective at detecting E. coli, which is responsible for the vast majority of urinary tract infections. If you test negative but are experiencing UTI symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider. If you test positive, talk to a provider to discuss your results and get a definite diagnosis (so you can begin treatment).

Where to get Uqora Emergency Kits:
Uqora Emergency Kits can be purchased online) for $25 + shipping. The package contains 2 test strips, 12 infection control tablets, and 12 pain relief tablets.

Why we like Uqora Emergency Kits:

• Tests come with 12 infection control pills and pain relief tablets
  
• Fast results
  
• Backed by licensed healthcare provider advisors
  
  

How it works:
The myLABBOX uses a test strip. Collect urine in a jar or container, dip the test strip into the sample, and wait 2 minutes before reading your result.

How to read your results:
UTI test kit is a home test that delivers results within two minutes. Match the test strip color to the color chart on the packaging. After you receive your results, this home test kit includes a telehealth consultation with a healthcare professional. Depending on your results, your provider can recommend prescription UTI treatment during this visit.

Where to get myLABBOX UTI Test Kits:
myLABBOX UTI Test Kits can be purchased online for $59 + shipping (free shipping for orders over $150).

Why we like myLABBOX UTI Test Kits:

• Fast results
  
• Free shipping
  
• Phone consultation with a licensed healthcare provider is included in the price of the kit
  
  

At-home UTI tests are widely available online and at major pharmacies and medical retail stores like Walgreens and CVS. These retailers may also offer their own tests, which are usually cheaper than brand-name tests.

FSA or HSA funds can be used to purchase at-home UTI tests, saving some out-of-pocket money.

When to see a doctor about a UTI

If your test results are positive or if you test negative but have symptoms, you should see a doctor.

While at-home UTI tests can be used to detect urinary tract infections, they also may yield false positive or false negative test results. In addition, because most UTIs are bacterial infections, a course of antibiotics is required to treat the condition. Antibiotics require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing the signs of a UTI and have gotten negative results from an at-home test, or have received positive results from an at-home test, contact a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options. Early treatment of a UTI can help prevent complications such as recurrent UTIs or a bladder infection.

UTI symptoms include:

• A strong and persistent urge to urinate
  
• A burning sensation while urinating (dysuria)
  
• Frequent urination with little volume
  
• Cloudy or hazy urine
  
• Scarlet, bright pink, or cola-colored urine
  
• Strong smelling urine
  
• Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen
  
• Back pain
  
  

How Sesame can help

Don’t wait to get treatment for a urinary tract infection. If you have received positive at-home test results or are experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, book an online doctor appointment on Sesame to talk to a primary care provider right away. Your provider will discuss your test result or symptoms with you and prescribe antibiotic medication, if appropriate.

Sources:

• (2023). In Brief: Understanding Urine Tests. Institute For Quality And Efficiency In Health Care (IQWiG).
  
• Bafna P., Deepanjali S., Mandal J., Balamurugan N., Swaminathan R. P., Kadhiravan T. (2020). Reevaluating the True Diagnostic Accuracy of Dipstick Tests to Diagnose Urinary Tract Infection Using Bayesian Latent Class Analysis. PLoS One.
  
• Bettcher, C. M., Campbell, E., Petty, L. A., et al. (2021). Urinary Tract Infection. Michigan Medicine University of Michigan.
  
• Bono, M. J., Leslie, S. W., Reygaert, W. C. (2023). Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections. StatPearls.
  
• Holm A., Cordoba G., Sørensen T. M., Jessen L. R., Frimodt-Møller N., Siersma V., Bjerrum L. (2017). Clinical Accuracy of Point-of-Care Urine Culture in General Practice. Scand J Prim Health Care.
  
• Little P., Turner S., Rumsby K., Jones R., Warner G., Moore M., Lowes J. A., Smith H., Hawke C., Leydon G., Mullee M. (2010). Validating the Prediction of Lower Urinary Tract Infection in Primary Care: Sensitivity and Specificity of Urinary Dipsticks and Clinical Scores in Women. The British Journal of General Practice: The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
  
• Mambatta, A. K., Jayarajan, J., Rashme, V. L., Harini, S., Menon, S., Kuppusamy, J. (2015). Reliability Of Dipstick Assay In Predicting Urinary Tract Infection. J Family Med Prim Care.
  
• Tan, C. W., Chlebicki, M. P. (2016). Urinary Tract Infections In Adults. Singapore Med J.
  

Sesame content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical concern, it is critical to seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions. If you are facing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.

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