3 Tests to Help Diagnose a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Sometimes, you can recognize a urinary tract infection (UTI) by the symptoms alone. This includes:

• Painful urination

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Cloudy, bloody, and/or smelly urine

Still, UTI testing is often still necessary to confirm the diagnosis and/or identify which bacteria is causing the infection. In this video, learn the three types of tests that help diagnose a UTI and what each is for, according to Preeti Parikh, MD, Executive Medical Director at GoodRx.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts