Safescreen Home Test Kits

The general term Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) covers a range of complaints from cystitis to severe infections of the kidney. A urinary tract infection is usually caused by the bacteria E coli, from the patient's own bowels and is 50 times more common in women than men. Bacteria can settle around the urethra and then ascend into the rest of the urinary tract, the bladder and the kidneys. SafeScreen’s Urinary Tract Infection test offers a simple way of screening for infection by detecting the presence of proteins, nitrite and leukocytes (white blood cells) which appear in urine as a result of such an infection.

What are the Symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

Urinary infections are more common in women; especially during pregnancy, and the elderly, due to poor bladder emptying. Not everyone with a UTI will exhibit symptoms, and symptoms differ depending on whether the infection has affected the lower or upper parts of the urinary tract. Common symptoms are:

• Burning sensation on passing urine
• Frequent need to pass urine
• Urgency (compelling need to urinate) but only a small amount of urine is passed
• Urine with an offensive odour

If the infection has reached the upper parts of the Urinary Tract the symptoms are the same as above but may also include:

• Pains in the loin (flank)
• The urine can be milky, cloudy, or even reddish if blood is present
• It is not unusual to feel generally unwell— tired, shaky, washed out— and to feel pain even when not urinating
• Other symptoms of a kidney infection include pain in the back or side below the ribs, nausea, or vomiting.

In children, symptoms of a urinary infection may be overlooked or attributed to another disorder. A UTI should be considered when a child or infant seems irritable, is not eating normally, has an unexplained fever that does not go away, has incontinence or loose bowels, or is not thriving.  Unlike adults, children are more likely to have fever and no other symptoms. This can happen to both boys and girls. The child should be seen by a doctor if there are any questions about these symptoms, especially a change in the child's urinary pattern.

What are the causes of UTI?

Most infections arise from one type of bacteria, E. coli, which normally lives in the colon. Infection occurs when the bacteria get transferred to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply.  This can cause an infection in the urethra. The infection can then move from there upwards into the bladder and then on to the kidneys.

The urinary system is structured in a way that helps ward off infection. The urethras and bladder normally prevent urine from backing up toward the kidneys and emptying the bladder helps wash bacteria out of the body. But despite these natural safeguards, infections still occur.

Microorganisms called Chlamydia and Mycoplasma may also cause UTIs in both men and women, but these infections tend to remain limited to the urethra and reproductive system only. Unlike E. coli, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma may be sexually transmitted, and such infections require treatment of both partners.

How do I Perform the Test?

As with all SafeScreen’s home test kits, everything you need to carry out and interpret a test is included with your order. The test for UTI can be performed discretely, in the privacy of your home by following the easy step by step instructions. Results are available in minutes rather than the days or weeks normally required to obtain laboratory results.

To perform a Urinary tract infection test all that is required is a urine sample. The test can be performed any time, day or night all you need to do is dip the test in your urine and read the results

All orders for SafeScreen tests received before 4.15pm are dispatched the same day. Your test kit will be delivered discretely in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents inside the box. Boxes are then posted inside a secure mail bag to ensure your complete privacy.

How can I avoid catching an UTI?

The most important preventative factor is emptying the bladder completely and frequently. This keeps the urinary tract free from any debris and sterile. Passing urine at bedtime and after sex also helps as does general hygiene measures. Occasionally, some people will suffer from re-occurring UTIs and identification and treatment of the underlying cause is essential.

What if I test positive?

If you test positive for an UTI then you must make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the results. If your results are confirmed you will normally be treated with a course of antibiotics.

How do you treat UTI?

Treatment depends on how and why the infection shows itself. Most people respond well to antibiotics and are unlikely to have any other urinary tract problems; also there are natural ways to treat a urinary tract infection such as:

• Drinking 250 to 500ml of cranberry juice daily
• Drinking plenty of water helps cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria
• Avoidance of bubble baths and douches

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