Self-managing your UTI: buying UTI tests in-store
UTI symptoms can come on suddenly and get worse quickly. But waiting for a doctor’s appointment can be tedious and time-consuming.
So, what are your options for self-managing your UTI? Where can you buy an at-home UTI test? Do they sell test strips at CVS? In this blog, we cover at-home UTI testing and buying test strips in-store.
In the US, you can buy over-the-counter UTI test kits in most drug stores.
This includes CVS, Walgreens, Target and Walmart. You don’t need a prescription for at-home UTI test strips and they should provide results within minutes - with no need to send samples off to a lab. Some at-home UTI tests are also HSA and FSA eligible but it’s best to check with your provider.
How do at-home UTI test strips work?
At-home UTI test strips are specially formulated to help identify signs of infection in your urine - the clearest indicator of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
At-home UTI tests come with clear instructions on how to test - with most tests requiring you to pee directly on the test strip for around 5 seconds or dip the strip in a cup of urine. You then wait for a few minutes before being given either a positive or negative result for signs of infection.
UTI test strips look for leukocytes and nitrates.
Leukocytes are a type of blood cell - they’re part of the body’s immune system and help fight infection. When leukocytes are found in urine, they indicate infection because the body is already working to fight it.
Healthy urine naturally contains a type of nitrogen chemical called nitrates. When you have a urinary tract infection, the bacteria causing the infection turn these nitrates into nitrites. So, when UTI test strips detect nitrites in your urine, it’s a sign of infection.
How are at-home UTI test strips different from tests done by doctors?
At-home UTI test strips are a basic preliminary tool - they’ll provide either a positive or negative result based on whether they detect leukocytes and/or nitrites in your urine.
At-home UTI test strips are not as accurate as laboratory tests because they won’t be able to tell you what kind of bacteria is causing your infection, or how best to treat it. In fact, they are inaccurate up to 70% of the time, which is why they are not recommended by the American Urological Association for those that experience repeat urinary tract infections.
Some people may test negative on an at-home UTI test, despite experiencing UTI symptoms. If this happens to you, it’s best to seek help from your medical provider as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and avoid delays in treatment.
How is the MyUTI test different?
The MyUTI test kit is different because it gives you the best of both worlds: the convenience of home testing, with the accuracy of laboratory results.
At MyUTI, we test for the top 12 symptom-causing UTI pathogens, check for antibiotic resistance and provide treatment recommendations based on your individual infection. For more information on how the MyUTI test compares to other testing options, download our UTI testing guide here.
I’ve tested at home - what’s next?
If you’ve tested positive for a UTI using an at-home UTI test strip, your next steps are to seek treatment. Most UTIs are treated using antibiotics. Your provider may still require you to come into the office for a urine test to confirm the infection prior to issuing a prescription.
With the MyUTI at-home test kit, you are a step ahead of the game with complete diagnostic results confirming infection along with a prescription recommendation. We also provide resources to talk to your clinician about your results.
If you suffer from frequent UTIs and prefer to self-manage your symptoms between rounds of antibiotics, you can check out our blog on home remedies for frequent UTIs here.
Be prepared for the next time you want to test at home.
If you suffer from chronic or recurrent UTIs, check out our MyUTI Just In Case Kit - to be ready to test as soon as that first symptom strikes and get targeted treatment, fast.
