LABORATORY CHECK

The tests that are used in diagnosis - treatment - monitoring are:

General urine test

First immediate assessment for the presence of a urinary tract infection with:

– microscopic examination to identify germs and fungi – white blood cells due to infection – red blood cells

– chemical test to detect substances secreted or produced in urinary tract infections

Urine culture

Diagnostic detection of common microbes and fungi and their first typing/categorization

Antibiogram or antifungal susceptibility testing / sensitivity test

Microbes are cultured along with antibiotics to assess which antibiotic is appropriate to treat the infection

Depending on the difficulty, these extra tests may be used:

1. Typing a microbe – its precise characterization
2. Urine cytology to detect possible cellular damage in the bladder that favors bacterial infections
3. Blood count – CRP to assess immune activation
4. Chlamydia – VDRL to detect sexually transmitted infections that favor UTIs
5. Urine sugar – Glycated hemoglobin – Urea – Creatinine to assess the intensity of diabetes involved in microbe growth and kidney function
6. Stone analysis in cases of stone or sand urination

In repeated - recurring urinary tract infections, additional non-laboratory tests may be required, for the anatomical assessment of the urinary system, such as:

1. kidney-bladder ultrasound
2. cystoscopy
3. pyelography