How to check for urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections can be diagnosed through urine routine examination, urine culture examination, imaging examination, blood test, cystoscopy examination, and other methods. Urinary tract infections are usually caused by bacterial infections and may be accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination.

1. Urine routine examination

Urine routine examination is the basic item for diagnosing urinary tract infections, which determines the presence of infection by detecting indicators such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and nitrite in urine. A white blood cell count in urine that exceeds the normal range usually indicates an inflammatory response, while a positive nitrite may indicate the presence of bacterial infection. Before the examination, it is necessary to clean the perineum and collect mid stream urine to improve accuracy.

2. Urine culture examination

Urine culture examination can clarify the types of pathogenic bacteria and their drug sensitivity, which is of great significance in guiding antibiotic selection. The examination requires collecting clean midstream urine samples and culturing them under sterile conditions for 48-72 hours. When the number of bacterial colonies in each milliliter of urine exceeds 100000, it can be diagnosed as a urinary tract infection. This examination is particularly necessary for patients with complex urinary tract infections or recurrent episodes.

3. Imaging examination

Ultrasound or CT urography are suitable for patients suspected of having structural abnormalities in the urinary system. Ultrasound can detect lesions such as hydronephrosis and stones, while CT can more clearly display the anatomical structure of the urinary tract. These examinations are of great value for children with urinary tract infections, men with urinary tract infections, or patients with poor treatment outcomes, and can help detect potential urinary tract obstruction or abnormalities.

4. Blood tests

Blood routine and C-reactive protein tests help evaluate the severity of infection, especially when systemic symptoms such as fever occur. An increase in white blood cell count and neutrophil ratio indicates bacterial infection, while an increase in C-reactive protein levels reflects the degree of inflammation in the body. Severe urinary tract infections may cause bacteremia, in which case blood culture tests can identify the pathogen.

5. Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy can directly observe the condition of the bladder and urethral mucosa, and is suitable for patients with recurrent urinary tract infections or hematuria. Endoscopy can detect lesions such as bladder stones, tumors, diverticula, etc., and tissue biopsy can also be performed. This examination belongs to invasive procedures and is usually used when the cause cannot be determined by other examinations. It needs to be performed by a professional physician under sterile conditions.

To prevent urinary tract infections, it is necessary to drink at least 2000 milliliters of water per day, avoid holding urine, and wipe from front to back after defecation in women. Choosing cotton underwear and changing it daily, timely urination after sexual activity can help flush the urethra. Moderate intake of cranberry products is recommended in diet, as the anthocyanins they contain may inhibit bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract epithelium. When experiencing symptoms of urinary tract irritation, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and avoid self administering antibiotics. Diabetes patients, pregnant women and other high-risk groups need to conduct regular urine screening.