Tests & Diagnosis of Bladder Infection

Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), and women are more prone to get them than men. While more irritating than dangerous, bladder infections need to be tested for, diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. Otherwise, the infection can spread to the kidneys and become far more serious.

Symptoms

• A bladder infection test is in order if you experience symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, repeatedly urinating small amounts and bloody or cloudy urine.

Before the Test

• Be prepared to tell your doctor about any history of urinary tract infections, what drugs or supplements you take and what symptoms you've experienced. Drink fluids beforehand, as a urine sample will be taken.

Test

• To test for a bladder infection, your doctor will ask that you collect a urine sample. So there's no contamination, you'll first clean your genitals with an antiseptic and urinate directly into the sample container.

Diagnosis

• Your urine sample will be sent to a lab where it will be checked for bacteria, pus and red blood cells. The majority of UTIs are caused by the E. coli bacteria. Antibiotics are prescribed if an infection is discovered.

Specialists

• Frequent recurrence of bladder or other urinary tract infections requires a visit to a urologist for further tests to diagnose underlying problems.