TestCard At-Home UTI Test

Why should I take a UTI test?

UTIs are easy to diagnose and treat once you're aware you have one, so speaking to a doctor or taking a test if you have symptoms is very important. This is because UTIs can lead to complications if they're left untreated for too long. So, if you're worried you might have one, you should always get tested so you can get the right treatment quickly.

UTIs are far more common than you think, with between 10-20% of women likely to experience the symptoms of a UTI. And, although most aren't dangerous if they're treated early, they can lead to serious health problems when left undiagnosed. For example, if left untreated, the bacteria that causes UTIs may spread to other parts of your body, such as your kidney, leading to long-term damage and possible kidney failure in the future.

If you're experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, it's always best to take a test or speak to your doctor for advice.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTI’s happen when certain bacteria make their way into your urinary tract. In most cases these bacteria are the same ones that are found in your bowels, but other types of bacteria (like sexually transmitted ones) can also cause UTIs. If the bacteria enter your bladder or kidneys, they can cause an infection. UTIs are more common in women than men. We think this is partly because women have a shorter urinary tract, so the bacteria does not need to travel as far to infect the bladder or kidneys.

Some of the common symptoms of UTIs include:

• having to pee more frequently than usual, especially at night
• a burning or stinging sensation when you pee
• cloudy urine
• blood in your urine
• feeling tired and feverish
• pain or discomfort in your belly or in your back

In mild cases, UTI symptoms will clear up without treatment. However, if you get UTIs frequently, or your symptoms are more severe, you should speak to a doctor to get antibiotic treatment. Left untreated, bladder and kidney infections can cause serious health problems.

UTI symptoms usually go away within 24 to 48 hours after treatment begins, though if you have a kidney infection, it may take 1 week or longer for symptoms to clear up after treatment.

When should I get tested for a UTI?

You should get tested for a UTI as soon as you think you have one or start showing symptoms. The earlier you test and get treatment, the less likely you are to get any further complications from the infection. It’s particularly vital to get tested if you notice that your symptoms worsen or aren’t improving after a few days.

If you get UTIs regularly, you should speak to your doctor to make sure there’s nothing else causing them. You should also speak to your doctor if you’re a man with symptoms of a UTI, have UTI symptoms following surgery, or your symptoms continue after getting treatment.

TestCard is a convenient method for testing for a UTI from your home with your mobile phone. It works similarly to UTI dip tests or other testing strips you might have used before but gives you an easy to read test result while giving our doctors enough detailed information to provide a diagnosis.

Your TestCard works in the following way:

• Each TestCard contains a set of UTI test strips
• Use a clean container to collect a sample of your urine. Do not contaminate your sample. Make sure your urine doesn’t touch anything apart from the clean container.
• Dip your TestCard UTI strip into your urine sample. Open the TestCard app on your phone, and use it to scan the QR code on the UTI strip.
• You will receive your test results on your phone in seconds, which our doctors can use to provide a diagnosis.
• If you are diagnosed with a UTI, our doctors will provide you with expert advice and recommend treatment if required.
• We are always here to help if you have any questions about your diagnosis or treatment. Simply message our medical team for free through your patient account.