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]
How is a UTI diagnosed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and a positive lab tests, such as urinalysis. Asymptomatic bacteriuria, in which bacteria are present without symptoms, typically does not indicate a UTI and usually requires no treatment, except in pregnant individuals.