When used properly, the AZO TEST STRIPS® home UTI test can tell you that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Testing for both WBCs and nitrite is more effective for detecting a UTI than testing for nitrite alone.
How can I tell if I might have a UTI?
Common symptoms include:
Burning or pain during urination
Frequent urination
Fever
Back or groin pain
What should I tell my doctor if I get a positive result?
You should say, "My AZO TEST STRIPS® UTI test is positive for nitrite and/or WBCs (leukocytes)".
Will common foods, alcohol, or medications affect my test results?
Generally, no. Most substances will not interfere with the test. However, some medications can affect the color of your urine, making it difficult to match the colors. If this happens, contact your doctor. If you take more than 500 mg of Vitamin C in 24 hours, you may obtain an incorrectly negative nitrite result. The drug tetracycline may cause an incorrectly negative WBC result.
Can I have a UTI without symptoms?
Yes. This is more common in young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Your doctor may suggest that you test your urine periodically to detect a UTI.
Can I get a positive result even though I do not have a UTI?
Generally, no. However, the WBC test can be positive if:
The genital area is not cleaned thoroughly;
There is vaginal discharge or menstrual blood in the urine; or
If there is an inflammation in the urinary tract.
What if I am taking an antibiotic?
Your doctor may recommend that you test your urine again after completing the antibiotic treatment. If either test on the AZO TEST STRIPS® is positive, contact your doctor. Take the complete antibiotic dosage even if the strip is negative.
How accurate are AZO TEST STRIPS®?
AZO TEST STRIPS® have the same test pads as the strips used by doctors and clinical labs. In addition AZO TEST STRIPS® were evaluated in studies where solutions were tested by untrained users and healthcare workers to see how well the average home user could read the results. These studies showed that agreement between the two groups was 97% for the nitrite test and 85% for the WBC test.
How does the nitrite test relate to a UTI?
Certain bacteria change nitrate, found in most urines, to nitrite. If the nitrite test is positive, it means that you have bacteria in your urine. A common cause of increased bacteria in the urine is a UTI.
How does the WBC (leukocyte) test relate to a UTI?
WBCs (white blood cells) also called leukocytes, are produced by the body in response to the presence of an infection.
How should I store AZO TEST STRIPS®?
Store the closed bottle at room temperature (59°-86°F) and away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Do not remove the desiccant (drying) packet. Keep the cap tightly closed.
Can use AZO TEST STRIPS® during my menstrual cycle?
This is not recommended because traces of menses can produce a false positive WBC result.
Can I use AZO TEST STRIPS® while taking AZO STANDARD® or Pyridium?
AZO STANDARD® and Pyridium contain Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride, an organic dye. This dye can make the test results harder to read.
Why is morning urine the best for testing?
Bacteria require time to convert nitrates to nitrites. Testing in the morning, assuming you have slept for at least four hours without urinating, allows the bacteria sufficient time to complete the conversion and provide a rich sample for testing.
What does a spotty result mean?
Most likely the urine sample test was contaminated. We recommend testing again, making sure the sample is clean and free of soap, vaginal discharge, menses or some other contaminant.
Why is there more than one possible color for a positive test result? Does a darker colored test result mean I have a more severe UTI?
No. Each person's body chemistry is unique and will create a different shade of color on the test pads.
Can men use AZO TEST STRIPS®?
Yes.
Do AZO TEST STRIPS® detect STDs, HIV, cancer, protein, yeast or sugar in the urine?
No, AZO TEST STRIPS® should not be used to identify anything other than the presence of WBCs and nitrites in the urine.
Can I obtain a urine sample from a diaper or a bed pad?
This is not recommended as you cannot be sure to obtain a sample free of contaminants.
Limits Of The Test:
Under certain conditions, you may get a negative result even though you have a UTI. If your infection is caused by bacteria that does not change nitrate to nitrite, or if your diet does not include nitrates, or if the urine has not been held in the bladder long enough (at least 4 hours), you will get a negative nitrite result. If there are only a small number of WBCs in the urine, you may get a negative WBC result.
IMPORTANT:
NEVER CHANGE OR STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION BASED ON AZO TEST STRIPS® RESULTS.
ONLY YOUR DOCTOR CAN CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS OF A UTI AND ADVISE ON TREATMENT.
USE AZO TEST STRIPS® BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE ON THE BOTTLE.
What does a positive result mean?
