Sample type needed

Urine

Test Name

UCEM (Urine for Chemistry and Microscopy)

Incubation period 

Test dependent

Who is this test suitable for?

Men and Women

Results time 

Test dependent but generally within 1-3 days from when your sample is received in the lab

Treatment

Most infections and disorders can be treated effectively

Where can I get tested?

All Better2Know centres

What is UTI Testing?

Better2Know’s UCEM (Urine for Chemistry and Microscopy) test is a laboratory analysis of your urine sample to establish if you have a UTI, or Urinary Tract Infection. A Urinary Tract Infection is generally caused by bacteria growing in your urethra, bladder, or even in your kidneys. UTI’s are quite common and will affect both men and women. Women tend to get more UTI’s than men do – although why this is has not been fully understood.

You can get UTIs through circumstances such as:

  • Sexual intercourse
  • Irregular urination 
  • Incomplete emptying of the bladder
  • Abnormal kidneys
  • Poor kidney function
  • Poorly chlorinated Jacuzzis, hot tubs and swimming pools
  • Bathing or sitting in dirty water
  • Passing of bacteria from the anus to urethra
  • Kidney or Bladder Stones
  • Catheters

Sexual intercourse can also trigger a urinary tract infection. Sexual contact may transport the bacteria to your urethra. This is why you should urinate promptly following sexual activities. Sexually transmitted infections can also exhibit similar symptoms to a UTI and could be the cause of your infection. These include STIs such as:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Mycoplasma
  • Gardnerella
  • Trichomonas
  • Ureaplasma 

How do I know if I need a UTI Test?

If you are experiencing any problems with your urinary tract then you should consider attending one of our UTI Clinics to get tested. Problems can include:

  • Pain when urinating
  • An increased need to urinate more frequently
  • No urine when you feel the need to go
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood in your urine 
  • Darker than usual urine
  • Pain or discomfort when having intercourse

Urinary tract infections can also cause symptoms such as:

  • Pain in your lower abdomen (tummy)
  • Fatigue
  • Generally feeling unwell

You may also experience fever, shaking, chills, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, and pain in your kidney area. This could indicate a kidney infection which, if left untreated, can cause serious problems to your long-term health. 

UTI Testing at one of our UTI Clinics is fast and easy. All you will need to do is to provide us with a small sample of urine and our laboratory will do the rest.

Did you know? …

Urine is produced by your kidneys as they filter the blood to remove excess fluids and maintain the right balance of many important chemicals including calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorous. The urine travels down from the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder where it is stored until expelled during urination.

What happens during a UTI Test?

UTI Testing is one of the most common types of diagnostic tests performed. All the laboratory needs is a small sample of your urine and many different kinds of tests can then be performed on it. Our UTI labs can test to see if there are any bacteria present in the urine or if there is an imbalance in the chemicals that should be found. 

Generally, urine is sterile, meaning there are no bacteria in it so if any are found, that is a sign that you have a UTI that needs some treatment. Urinary Tract Infections are usually easily treated with antibiotics, but it is important to know which bacteria are causing the infection as the correct antibiotic must be prescribed to ensure it successfully treats the infection.

What happens if I do not get a UTI Test?

Urinary Tract Infections will not generally go away on their own and do require treatment to clear them. UTI’s can be painful and if left untreated, can develop into serious conditions. These include:

  • An acute or chronic kidney infection
  • Permanent kidney damage
  • Recurrent infections
  • An increased risk of sepsis

In women, a UTI can lead to damage to her fallopian tubes and reproductive organs and can in severe cases lead to infertility. In men, if UTI testing is not performed and an infection is allowed to develop, problems with the testes and reproduction can follow. UTI testing is quick, easy and necessary to avoid unwanted and serious complications.

How do I get a UTI Test?

UTI tests are easy to arrange. If you are concerned, have any symptoms or just want the peace of mind that getting tested will bring to you then contact Better2Know now and speak to one of our trained patient services executives. We will be able to help you decide what UTI Tests are right for you and get you a fast appointment at a Better2Know UTI clinic near you. 

You can also book your UTI test now by selecting the Book Now button. Better2Know’s secure online booking system enables you to arrange your confidential appointment at any time. Take control of your sexual health today. 

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