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Urine Infection Test (including Cystitis) UTI

Name: Urine Infection Test (including Cystitis) UTI
Brand: Zoom Health
SKU: HEA080 (OFF9)
Price: 2.99 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.95 (56 reviews)

4.95 out of 5

(56 customer reviews)

From £2.99

Fast, reliable home testing for urinary tract infections and cystitis. Get clear results in just 60 seconds without any blood sample needed. Perfect for checking symptoms before contacting your GP.

✓ Results visible in 60 seconds
✓ Tests for 3 key infection markers (leukocytes, nitrites, blood)
✓ Same test used by doctors and nurses
✓ Easy to use at home with clear colour chart
✓ No blood sample required – simple urine test
✓ Choose from 2-test or 5-test pack

Pack Size

Clear

SKU: HEA080 (OFF9) Category: Home Health Tests Tags: Cystitis, Kidneys, Urinary Tract Infections Brand: Zoom Health

About This Urine Infection Test

If you’ve ever experienced the uncomfortable burning sensation when you wee, the constant urge to go, or that frustrating feeling that you can’t quite empty your bladder properly, you’ll know how disruptive a urinary tract infection can be. Our home urine infection test gives you quick, reliable answers right when you need them – no waiting for doctor appointments or lab results.

This test is designed to detect three key markers that indicate a urinary tract infection: leukocytes (white blood cells that fight infection), nitrites (produced by bacteria in your urinary tract), and blood. It’s the exact same type of test your GP uses in their surgery, so you can trust the results whilst enjoying the convenience of testing at home.

Why Choose Our UTI Test?

Urinary tract infections affect millions of people each year, with around 11% of women experiencing at least one UTI annually. Women are particularly susceptible because their urethra is shorter, giving bacteria easier access to the bladder. However, men can also develop UTIs, especially as they get older and may experience prostate enlargement that affects urine flow.

Having a UTI test at home means you can quickly check whether your symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor, or if you can monitor the situation at home. It’s particularly useful if you’re prone to recurring infections and want to catch them early, or if you simply want peace of mind before booking an appointment.

What’s Included in Your Test Kit

Test strips: Choose from 2 or 5 individually sealed test strips (depending on pack size selected)
Colour comparison chart: Clear visual guide to read your results
Full instructions: Step-by-step guidance on how to perform the test correctly

📦 Important Storage Information

Once you’ve opened the foil pouch, the remaining test strips stay stable for up to 30 days as long as you reseal the pouch immediately. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections

Your urinary system is a remarkable bit of kit – it includes your kidneys (which filter waste from your blood), the ureters (tubes that carry urine from kidneys to bladder), your bladder (where urine is stored), and the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves your body). Normally, your urine is completely sterile – free from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

A urinary tract infection happens when bacteria, usually from your digestive tract, make their way into your urinary system and start multiplying. Most often, these troublemaking bacteria are E. coli (which causes about 80% of UTIs), though other bacteria like Staphylococcus, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma can also be culprits.

The infection typically starts in the urethra (called urethritis), but if left untreated, bacteria can travel up to your bladder (causing cystitis) or even reach your kidneys (pyelonephritis), which is more serious and requires prompt medical attention.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Lower UTI symptoms (bladder and urethra):

Burning or stinging sensation when you pee
Needing to wee more frequently than usual
Urgent feeling that you need to go right now
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Blood in your urine (making it pink or red)
Discomfort in your lower tummy or back
Generally feeling unwell or tired

Upper UTI symptoms (kidney infection) – seek medical help immediately:

High fever (above 38°C)
Chills and shivering
Pain in your sides or lower back
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling confused or agitated (especially in elderly people)

Who’s at Higher Risk?

Whilst anyone can develop a UTI, certain factors increase your likelihood:

Being female: Shorter urethra means bacteria have less distance to travel
Sexual activity: Can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder increase risk
Menopause: Declining oestrogen affects the urinary tract lining
Kidney stones or prostate enlargement: Can block urine flow
Catheter use: Provides a pathway for bacteria
Weakened immune system: Diabetes, chemotherapy, or immune disorders
Incomplete bladder emptying: Due to spinal cord injury or neurological conditions
Certain birth control methods: Diaphragms or spermicides can increase risk

Special Note for Pregnant Women

If you’re pregnant, UTIs require extra attention. Whilst pregnancy doesn’t necessarily make you more prone to infections, any UTI you do develop is more likely to travel up to your kidneys. This is because hormonal changes and the growing baby can affect the position and function of your urinary tract. Many healthcare providers recommend routine urine testing throughout pregnancy to catch any infections early. If you’re pregnant and suspect a UTI, always contact your midwife or doctor promptly.

⚠️ Important Safety Information

This test is for screening purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis
Always consult your GP if you get a positive result or if symptoms persist despite a negative result
If you have symptoms of a kidney infection (high fever, severe back pain, vomiting), seek medical help immediately
Keep test strips away from children and pets
Do not use test strips after the expiry date
For external use only – do not ingest

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this test compared to one at the GP surgery?

It’s exactly the same test your doctor uses! The test strips detect the same three markers (leukocytes, nitrites, and blood) that healthcare professionals look for when diagnosing UTIs. However, remember that any home test is a screening tool – your GP may want to send a sample to the lab for culture if you have symptoms, to identify the specific bacteria and best antibiotic treatment.

Can I still have a UTI if my test is negative?

Possibly, yes. A negative result doesn’t completely rule out an infection, especially if tested too early or if you haven’t had much urine in your bladder for long. Some infections involve bacteria that don’t convert nitrate to nitrite, so you might only see positive leukocytes without nitrites. If you still have symptoms despite a negative test, contact your doctor for further investigation.

What does it mean if only one marker shows positive?

You don’t need all three markers to be positive to have a UTI. Even a single positive result (especially leukocytes or nitrites) can indicate an infection. Leukocytes often appear first as your body responds to bacteria, whilst nitrites indicate bacterial activity. Blood might appear in more established or severe infections. Any positive result warrants a conversation with your GP.

When is the best time to do the test?

First thing in the morning is ideal because your overnight urine is more concentrated, making any infection markers easier to detect. If that’s not possible, try to hold your urine for at least four hours before testing. This gives bacteria time to multiply and convert nitrate to nitrite, which is one of the key markers the test detects.

Can I use this test during my period?

It’s best to wait. Testing during menstruation or for three days after your period ends can give false positive results for blood. Menstrual blood contaminating the sample will show up on the test strip even though it’s not from a UTI. If you absolutely must test during this time, be aware that blood markers may not be reliable.

How to Use Your Urine Infection Test

Testing yourself at home is straightforward, but following the instructions carefully ensures you get accurate results. Don’t worry – it’s really simple once you’ve done it!

Before You Start: Preparation Tips

🕐 Best Time to Test

First thing in the morning is ideal, as overnight urine is more concentrated and will give the most reliable results. If morning testing isn’t possible, make sure you haven’t emptied your bladder for at least 4 hours before testing.

What you’ll need:

One test strip from your kit
A clean, dry container to collect urine (a small cup or clean jar works perfectly)
The colour chart (included with your test kit)
A watch or phone to time the 60 seconds
Good lighting to read the results accurately

Important points before testing:

Check the expiry date on your test strip packaging – expired tests may not work properly
Don’t open the foil pouch until you’re ready to test
Make sure your urine collection container is completely clean and dry (water or soap residue can affect results)
For women: Don’t test during your period or for 3 days afterwards, as menstrual blood will affect the blood marker
For women: Avoid vaginal fluid contamination – wipe front to back before collecting your sample
Don’t let toilet water, disinfectant, or cleaning products contaminate your sample

Step-by-Step Testing Instructions

Follow these steps exactly for reliable results:

1. Collect your urine sample
Collect a fresh sample in your clean, dry container. You need enough to fully immerse the test strip – about 2-3 tablespoons is plenty. It’s best to collect midstream urine (start weeing into the toilet, then catch some in your container).

2. Open the test strip
Tear open the foil pouch and remove one test strip. Handle it by the end without touching the coloured reaction areas. Have a quick look at the three test zones so you know what you’re looking for:

Pale pink area = Leukocytes (white blood cells)
White area = Nitrites (bacteria byproduct)
Dark yellow area = Blood

3. Dip the test strip
Completely immerse the reaction areas (the coloured end) of the test strip in your urine sample. Keep it submerged for 1-2 seconds maximum – no longer! Make sure all three test areas are covered by the urine.

4. Remove excess urine
Take the strip out and gently tap the edge on the rim of your container to remove excess urine. This prevents the colours from running into each other. Place the strip horizontally on a clean, flat surface with the reaction areas facing upwards.

5. Wait exactly 60 seconds
This is crucial! Set a timer for 60 seconds and wait. Don’t try to read the results too early or too late – timing matters for accuracy. During this minute, the chemical reactions are taking place on the test strip.

6. Read your results
After exactly 60 seconds (not before, not after), compare each reaction area on your test strip to the corresponding colour blocks on the chart provided. Hold the strip next to the chart in good lighting. Keep the strip horizontal to prevent colours mixing.

Understanding Your Results

Your test strip checks for three different markers. Here’s what each one tells you:

Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)

What it means: Leukocytes are your body’s infection fighters. When bacteria invade your urinary tract, your immune system sends white blood cells to deal with them.

Positive result: The pale pink area turns darker pink or purple. This is one of the most reliable signs of a UTI.

What to do: Contact your GP to arrange treatment. A positive leukocyte result strongly suggests bacterial infection.

Nitrites

What it means: Many bacteria that cause UTIs convert naturally-occurring nitrate in your urine into nitrite. Healthy urine doesn’t contain nitrite, so its presence is a telltale sign of bacterial activity.

Positive result: The white area turns pink. This is highly specific for bacterial infection.

What to do: Contact your GP. Nitrite presence is a strong indicator you need antibiotic treatment.

Note: Some infections can be present without showing nitrites, especially if you haven’t held your urine long enough for bacteria to work, or if the bacteria involved don’t convert nitrate.

Blood

What it means: Blood in urine can indicate infection-related inflammation in your urinary tract. However, blood can also appear for other reasons.

Positive result: The dark yellow area changes to green or blue-green, depending on the amount of blood present.

What to do: Contact your GP, especially if accompanied by positive leukocytes or nitrites. Blood alone might have other causes (vigorous exercise, kidney stones, menstruation) but should always be checked.

✓ Negative Result (All Three Areas Stay the Same)

Good news! A completely negative test suggests no infection is present. However, if you’re still experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them – contact your GP anyway. UTIs can occasionally be present even with negative test results, especially very early in the infection.

⚠️ Positive Result (One or More Areas Change Colour)

You don’t need all three markers to be positive to have an infection. Even a single positive result warrants attention. Take note of which markers are positive and contact your GP to discuss your results and symptoms. Take these instructions with you to your appointment so your doctor knows exactly what type of test you used.

When Should I Repeat the Test?

Consider retesting in these situations:

Unclear results: If the colour change only appears along the edges of the reaction areas (rather than across the whole area), the reaction may not have worked properly
Very early symptoms: If you test at the first sign of symptoms, bacteria levels might still be low. Try again after 24 hours
After treatment: Some people like to retest a few days after finishing antibiotics to confirm the infection has cleared
Double-checking: If you want peace of mind about an unexpected result, use another strip from your pack

Remember, strips from an opened pouch remain stable for 30 days if you reseal the pouch properly.

🚨 When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately

Seek medical help right away if you experience any of these symptoms:

High fever (above 38°C/100.4°F) with shivering or chills
Severe pain in your back or sides (could indicate kidney infection)
Nausea and vomiting alongside UTI symptoms
Blood in your urine (unless you’re menstruating)
Symptoms don’t improve after 24-48 hours of antibiotic treatment
You’re pregnant – any UTI needs prompt medical attention
You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
Confusion or agitation (especially in elderly people – this can be a sign of serious infection)

These symptoms could indicate a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which requires urgent treatment to prevent complications.

Things That Can Affect Your Results

Certain medications and conditions can cause false positives or false negatives:

May cause false negative leukocyte results:

Antibiotics (cephalexin, gentamicin)
High glucose levels in urine (uncontrolled diabetes)
Very high levels of vitamin C

May cause false positive leukocyte results:

Certain antibiotics (imipenem, meropenem, clavulanic acid)
Vaginal contamination of sample

May cause false negative nitrite results:

Not holding urine long enough (bacteria need time to convert nitrate)
Low-nitrate diet (e.g., vegetarian or fasting)
Frequent urination (bacteria need time in the bladder)
High levels of vitamin C
Some types of bacteria don’t produce nitrite

May cause false positive nitrite results:

Medications containing phenazopyridine (used for UTI pain relief)
Sample contaminated with bacteria from improper collection

If you’re taking any medications, it’s worth mentioning this to your GP when discussing test results.

Urinary Health Information & Resources

Understanding urinary tract infections and maintaining bladder health is important for your overall wellbeing. We’ve put together helpful resources covering everything from prevention to treatment, plus advice for specific situations.

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are amongst the most common infections, particularly in women. Learn about what causes them, why some people get them more frequently than others, and the difference between lower and upper urinary tract infections.

Cystitis Explained

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It’s the most common type of UTI and can be incredibly uncomfortable. Discover the symptoms, causes, and treatments for cystitis, plus tips on how to manage recurring episodes.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

Whilst UTIs can’t always be prevented, there are several strategies that can significantly reduce your risk. From hydration habits to bathroom hygiene, discover practical, evidence-based prevention tips that really work.

→ Read more: Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

Women’s Bladder Health

Women are up to 50 times more likely to develop UTIs than men due to anatomical differences. Learn about the specific risk factors women face at different life stages, including during pregnancy, menopause, and when sexually active.

→ Read more: Women’s Bladder Health

UTIs During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, including your urinary system. Understanding why UTIs are more serious during pregnancy and knowing when to seek help is essential for protecting both you and your baby.

→ Read more: UTI’s During Pregnancy

Recurring UTIs: Why They Happen

If you’re experiencing frequent urinary tract infections (more than 2-3 per year), you’re not alone. Recurring UTIs affect many people and can have various causes. Learn about why they happen, risk factors, and strategies to break the cycle.

→ Read more: Recurring UTIs: Why They Happen

Kidney Infections: What You Need to Know

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a serious condition that develops when a UTI spreads to one or both kidneys. Learn to recognise the warning signs and understand why prompt treatment is crucial.

→ Read more:

Men and Urinary Tract Infections

Whilst less common in men, UTIs do occur, especially in older men with prostate issues. Discover the unique risk factors men face, symptoms to watch for, and when a UTI might indicate an underlying urinary tract problem.