Over-the-Counter Test Strips for Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTI) in women are common, and usually not very serious if they're caught early. Test strips, also called dipsticks, are an important diagnostic tool. You can buy them over-the-counter at your local drugstore.
Azo is a popular brand from Amerifit Brands, Inc. Ask your pharmacist where they're located, or look near the feminine hygiene products.
The test strips are easy to use. You can pee in a cup, as at the doctor's office, or you can simply pee on the strip. The cup is not included; just use a clean dry container. For either method, be sure to wash the genital area first. If you don't want to use a cup, then a mid-stream test is most accurate: start urinating, and then insert the strip into the stream.
The test strip has two parts, one for white blood cells (leukocytes) and the other for nitrites. The test pads change color to indicate positive tests. If either one is positive, or both, then you should call your doctor and report the test results. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic over the phone, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal, available online at http://webreprints.djreprints.com/2223770715394.html.
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