Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. When should Clinistix UTI Test Strips be used?
Clinistix UTI Test Strips can be used whenever you are experiencing symptoms or suspect that you may have an infection of your urinary tract. Some people with chronic urinary tract infections may choose to test their urine regularly to detect an infection as early as possible. Your doctor may also suggest that you test your urine periodically to detect a urinary tract infection.
Q2. Can I have a urinary tract infection without symptoms?
Yes. This is more common in young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Q3. Can I get a positive result even though I do not have a urinary tract infection?
Generally, no. However, the white blood cell (WBC) test can be positive if:
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the genital area is not cleaned thoroughly;
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there is a vaginal discharge or menstrual blood in the urine;
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or
if there is an inflammation in the urinary tract.
Q4. Can I collect a urine sample from a diaper, sanitary napkin, or underwear?
Diapers and sanitary pads may contain detergents or other chemicals that can interfere with the test results. Samples should only be collected midstream, or in a clean and empty cup.
Q5. What are the advantages of the Clinistix UTI Test Strips?
Clinistix UTI Test Strips can help you detect a urinary tract infection easily and quickly, so you can get treatment faster. Samples can be collected mid-steam, while you are urinating, so you do not need to find a clean cup if you choose not to. Supported by nearly 80 years of innovation and leadership in the field of urinalysis, Siemens Healthineers ClinistixTM portfolio of home urinalysis tests use the same chemistry as those strips found in your doctor’s offices so you can feel confident in your results.
Q6. My urine is a color other than yellow/straw. Should I use Clinistix UTI Test Strips?
Some medical conditions or medications (such as those containing Pyridium) may cause your urine to change colors. If your urine is colored or visibly bloody, you may not be able to properly interpret your results using the color chart. You should contact your doctor and seek an alternate method to test for a urinary tract infection.
Q7. Can I use Clinistix UTI Test Strips on my pet’s urine?
The strips have only been tested with human urine. The composition of some animal urine (including cats) will not react the same as human urine on the WBC pad.
Q8. What does it mean if my nitrate results are positive?
If the nitrite test is positive, it means that you may have bacteria in your urine. Any amount of uniform pink color on the nitrite test pad is positive (abnormal); pink spots or pink edges are not a positive result.
Q9. What does it mean if my WBC results are positive?
A positive WBC test will give a dark tan to purple color and could mean that you have a UTI. However, the WBC test can also be positive for other reasons (i.e., there is vaginal discharge or blood in the urine or if there is an inflammation in the urinary tract).
Q10. My result is negative, but I still have symptoms. What should I do?
You can try to run another test. If your results are still negative, you should contact your healthcare professional for further guidance.