Why test your urine?
Do you experience a burning sensation when you urinate? Do you urinate often but the quantity is small? Is your urine cloudy? Does it have a strong odour? Do you also have a back pain?
If your answer is ‘yes’ for any two of the above questions, you may be suffering from a Urine Tract Infection (UTI) and is it suggested that you must get your Urine Tested.
Why test your urine at home?
If you have a busy schedule and do not have time to wait in a queue to meet the physician, you have the option to perform a Urine Test at home. A Urine Test at home can be convenient for the elderly family members too. A simple home kit for the test can save your time, money and physical efforts.
What is a Urine Test?
A Urine Test or, ‘Urinalysis’ is a test conducted on a small sample of your urine. It aims at detecting probable disorders related to the kidney or, liver. Generally, there are three parts to it:
- Physical examination of the urine checks for its colour and texture. If your urine is clear and pale yellow, it means you have been drinking sufficient water and fluids. If your urine is dark yellow, it means you need to drink more water. If your urine has a pink or, reddish tinge, you better get yourself checked by a physician. If your urine comprises several bubbles, it indicates a probable kidney disorder. Do ensure to consult a physician soon.
- Microscopic examination of your urine sample is done under a microscope to detect the presence of items invisible to the naked eye. These include the red blood cells, pus cells (white blood cells), crystals that may grow up to become kidney stones or, germs like bacteria.
- Dipstick test is done by dipping a plastic stick with chemical strips attached to it, into your urine. When the substances in your urine are above the normal level, the strips of chemicals on the dipstick, change colour. If your urine has pH above the normal range, it is indicative of disorders related to the kidney like kidney stones, and you must seek a consultation with your physician. Presence of protein in your urine implies a malfunction of your kidney’s filtering mechanism and requires consultation with your physician. Presence of glucose in your urine is a symptom of diabetes. If your urine contains White blood cells, it is indicative of some infection. Presence of bilirubin in your urine indicates a liver disorder. Presence of blood in the urine calls for further testing under the guidance of a physician.
How to test your urine at home?
There are dipstick tests for detecting urinary tract infection, available over the counter. You can buy one online or, get it from the nearby drug store. Such kits usually carry sets of three test strips and a chart for comparison. All you need to do is hold the strip in your urine stream for a few seconds. Then wait for 2 minutes for the strip to change its colour. The strip when compared to the given chart reveals the probable disorders if any. It is a convenient way to detect the onset of UTI. If you are still unsure, you must consult your physician.
How we can help
For those of you who are still unsure to test your urine at home, Portea can be of sure help. Our portfolio comprises of more than 1,50,000 happy customers. We conduct tests for you in the convenience and comfort of your home. You can trust our experienced and qualified collectors for collecting the urine samples of your near and dear ones with the utmost care and respect. Our services are easily accessible and can suit your budget well.
Summary
Early detection of UTI can save you from future criticalities. UTI can be easily detected with a simple test kit at home. In case of a positive result, you may seek your physician’s advice for further treatment.
References
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/what-urinalysis
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/home-test-for-uti
https://www.azoproducts.com/learning-center/uti/detect-uti-symptoms
