How is a UTI diagnosed?

Usually, a medical professional identifies a UTI when there are both positive signs/symptoms and positive lab tests. When bacteria are found in the urine but there are no abnormal symptoms, this is usually not enough to diagnose a UTI; this is known as “asymptomatic bacteriuria” and almost never requires treatment, except in the case of pregnancy. Lab tests used to help with diagnosis include urinalysis (testing for nitrates, bacteria, and/or white blood cells) and urine pH. Notably, patients with certain comorbid conditions don’t always experience telltale UTI symptoms (e.g., those with spinal cord injury) or may not be able to communicate symptoms (e.g., those with cognitive impairment).^[1]