UTI Test Online

No, there is no reliable UTI test you can do entirely online. Diagnosing UTI involves a urine test, which cannot be done online. You can, however, arrange for a UTI test online without stepping out of your home.

Instant Consult’s telehealth services make getting a UTI test referral online both convenient and efficient. Just a few clicks and you can talk directly to AHPRA-accredited healthcare professionals from the comfort of your home or wherever in Australia. Our doctors will evaluate your symptoms and, if needed, give you a referral for a urine test or culture. You can then use it to get a UTI test at your preferred collection centre.

It not only eliminates the need to travel but also saves you from getting stuck in waiting rooms. It’s particularly beneficial for those in remote areas or with busy schedules. Plus, talking about your symptoms at home makes your chat more comfortable and private. With Instant Consult, managing your UTI is more accessible and efficient.

UTIs come in different types depending on where they occur:

• Cystitis: This is a bladder infection. It’s the most common type of UTI. Symptoms can include a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, and cloudy urine.
• Urethritis: This infection affects the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It can cause a burning sensation while urinating and discharge.
• Pyelonephritis: This is a kidney infection. It’s more serious and can cause back pain, fever, and nausea, in addition to typical UTI symptoms.

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in any part of the urinary system. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower part of the urinary tract, the bladder, and the urethra. You can keep getting UTI’s if left untreated.

If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious health problems like kidney diseases and bladder infections (cystitis). It can even cause life-threatening medical conditions like sepsis and kidney damage.

Urinary tract infections are primarily caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defences can fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.

The most common type of bacteria that causes UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is normally found in the intestines. Other bacteria can also cause UTIs, but E. coli is the most frequent offender. They usually enter the urethra during bathroom visits or sexual activity.

UTI symptoms can differ from person to person. But, in general, they involve:

• A strong urge to urinate that doesn’t go away. This feeling is often intense and persistent.
• A burning sensation when urinating. It can feel sharp and painful.
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine. You might feel like you need to go all the time, but not much comes out.
• Urine that looks cloudy, sometimes with a strong smell. It might also appear reddish or cranberry-coloured, a sign of blood.
• Pelvic pain in women, especially in the centre of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.
• Constant aches or intermittent cramps in the lower abdomen. This can range from mild to severe and might feel sharp or dull.

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and get you feeling better faster.

As mentioned, UTI happens due to bacterial infection in the urinary system. However, certain factors can increase your risk of having it, such as:

• Sexual intercourse can push bacteria into the urethra, especially in women.
• Certain contraceptives, like diaphragms or spermicides, can increase UTI risk.
• Menopause brings changes in the urinary tract that make women more vulnerable to infections.
• Urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary system.
• Kidney stones or other obstructions can trap urine in the bladder, increasing infection risk.
• A weakened immune system can’t fight off infections as effectively, leading to UTIs.
• Underlying conditions like diabetes, urinary retention, enlarged prostate, and neurological disorders can also be risk factors.

As mentioned, diagnosing UTI involves urine tests, like:

Urinalysis: This test checks your urine for signs of infection, like white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. It’s quick and can often point to a UTI.

Urine culture: If the urinalysis suggests a UTI, a urine culture may be done. This test identifies the exact type of bacteria causing the infection. It takes a few days but helps in choosing the right antibiotic.

In some cases, especially if you have recurrent UTIs, further tests might be needed. These can include:

• Ultrasound: A non-invasive test that looks at the urinary tract.
• Cystoscopy: A small camera examines the inside of the bladder.
• CT scan: Offers a detailed image of the urinary tract.

These tests help rule out other issues or find reasons for frequent infections.

While you can order at-home UTI test kits online, they don’t match the reliability of lab tests conducted by healthcare professionals. These test strips only provide an initial indication of a UTI by detecting signs such as nitrites and leukocytes (white blood cells) in your urine. However, for a conclusive diagnosis, a urine culture performed in a medical setting is necessary.

Arranging a UTI test online is super quick and convenient. Here’s how:

1. Secure a Referral

In Australia, you will need a referral from a GP or a licensed medical professional to get Medicare or insurance coverage for your UTI tests. That’s why the first thing you need to do is secure a referral by booking an online consultation with us.

Just download our app, sign up or log in to your account, then request a consultation. During the video call, tell your doctor about your symptoms, medical history, and any other information they might need. If a UTI test is necessary, they will provide you an electronic referral which will be sent directly to your device.

2. Visit a Pathology Lab

Print the referral or email it directly to your preferred pathology lab straight from the app. Then go to the lab to provide your urine sample. The lab will then analyse your sample, checking for bacteria and white blood cells in your urine.

3. Receive Results

UTI test results usually take a few days. Note that the lab will send it directly to us (or your regular GP if you request to have it sent there instead). We will then promptly inform you via SMS, email, or app notification once your results are available.

4. Book a Follow-Up Consultation

After receiving notification about your results, you will need to book a follow-up consultation so our doctors can explain your results. Depending on your results, they may talk about treatment options and provide other medical services you might need.

More than UTI test referrals, Instant Consult provides a range of health services to help you manage your UTI right from the comfort of your own home. Depending on your needs, our doctors can provide:

• Medical Advice: Get professional medical advice about UTI management and treatment options without stepping out the door.
• Online Scripts: If you need antibiotics, you can get a prescription during your consultation.
• Pathology Referrals: Get a referral for other blood tests to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms.
• X-Ray Referrals: If further investigation is needed, you can also receive referrals for X-rays.
• Specialist Referrals: In case you need to see a specialist, our doctors can arrange that too.
• Medical Certificates: If you need to take time off work, you can get a medical certificate during your consultation.

With Instant Consult, managing a UTI has never been more convenient. The best part? You can access a combination (or all) of these services in one single consultation. Book an online consultation today!