Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, affecting millions of people each year in the United States. While they can occur in anyone, women are particularly susceptible due to anatomical differences, such as a shorter urethra that allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. Men, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions can also be at risk.
Common Symptoms and Risks
UTIs typically cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. If left untreated, infections can spread to the kidneys, leading to more serious complications like fever, back pain, and potential kidney damage.
Several factors contribute to UTI risk, including:
- Poor hydration
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Use of certain birth control methods
- Compromised immune systems
- Frequent antibiotic use, which can disrupt natural bacterial balance
Prevention and Management Strategies
Preventing UTIs involves simple lifestyle adjustments, such as:
- Drinking plenty of water to flush bacteria from the urinary tract
- Practicing good hygiene, including wiping front to back
- Urinating after sexual activity
- Avoiding irritants like harsh soaps and douches
- Considering cranberry supplements, though their effectiveness is debated
For individuals experiencing recurrent UTIs, healthcare providers may recommend additional testing or preventive antibiotics. Early detection and appropriate treatment remain key to reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
By understanding UTI risk factors, symptoms, and available testing options, individuals and healthcare providers can take proactive steps to manage and prevent infections effectively.
Seasonal Trends in UTIs
UTIs become more common in warmer months due to dehydration and travel. According to a study, UTI diagnoses are 20% more likely in months with average temperatures of 81–86°F compared to colder months (41–46°F) (Hilt et al.).
Accutest® UTI RT-PCR Panel: Reliable Testing for Urinary Tract Infections
When it comes to detecting urinary tract infections (UTIs) quickly and accurately, RT-PCR testing is a trusted method. The Accutest® UTI RT-PCR Panel is designed to cover the most common clinical cases, making it a reliable choice for laboratories. The UTI Panel is built to detect 95% of the most prevalent UTI infections. The test detects a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi commonly associated with urinary tract infections, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. This targeted approach helps labs get meaningful results without unnecessary testing.
Efficient and Flexible Testing
This panel is available in multiple formats, including full 384-well plates, 96-well plates, and tubes, offering flexibility based on lab needs. It is also platform-agnostic, meaning it can run on most RT-PCR analyzers currently on the market.
Streamlined Workflow
With multiplexing capabilities, the panel can detect multiple UTI-causing pathogens in a single run. This means:
- Higher efficiency per test
- Lower overall costs
- Faster turnaround times
Additionally, the master mix integrates reverse transcriptase, reducing run time for detecting single-stranded RNA viruses. This helps streamline workflow without compromising accuracy.
Key Advantages:
- Comprehensive Detection: Identifies 24 major UTI-causing pathogens (bacterial and fungal)
- Wide Range of Coverage: Detects both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, ensuring accurate diagnosis across various microbial strains
- Flexible Formats: Available in 384-well, 96-well plate, and tube formats
- Seamless Integration: Designed for easy adoption into existing workflows & RT-PCR analyzers
Why Pre-Selected Targets Matter
The Accutest® UTI RT-PCR Panel focuses on pre-selected targets that account for the vast majority of clinical cases. This ensures that labs get relevant, actionable results without wasting time on low-prevalence organisms. With efficient multiplexing and broad compatibility, this panel supports accurate diagnostics while maintaining lab efficiency.
References
Hilt, Erin E., et al. “Urinary Microbiota and Urinary Tract Infection in the Setting of Urgency Incontinence.” mBio, vol. 9, no. 2, 2018, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5808437/
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