Diagnosis of urinary tract infections

In addition to learning about the patient's medical history and symptoms, the doctor will carry out several tests to diagnose urinary tract infections, including urine tests or urine tests. Urine samples will be collected in the laboratory to detect the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which may be a sign of urinary tract infection.

In some cases, a urine test will be followed by urine culture to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the urine. Urine culture can help doctors determine the organism that is causing the infection and the right medicine.

If the patient is suspected to have an upper urinary tract infection, the doctor will proceed to a complete blood test and blood culture after a urine test. With blood culture, the doctor can determine whether the infection has spread to the bloodstream.

In patients with frequent urinary tract infections, doctors suspect urinary tract abnormalities. To be sure, doctors will do imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. Imaging tests can be preceded by administration of contrast agents to better see the condition of the urinary tract.

Another method for diagnosing urinary tract infections is cystoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a small tube with a camera into the urethra to see the condition of the bladder. Through cystoscopy, the doctor can also take a sample of bladder tissue to see other possibilities, such as bladder cancer.

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