What is a UCEM test?

Men and women can both get infections in their urinary tracts. These are called Urinary Tract Infections or UTI's. The urinary tract includes your bladder, your kidneys, the various tubes that connect them and the urethra which is the tube that carries your urine out of your body. The UCEM test will use a small sample of your urine which will be examined under a microscope, and which will also be cultured to see which if any bacteria will grow.

Why should I have a UCEM test?

UCEM tests are very useful when you have any discomforts such as stinging or burning sensations when you urinate, but you are uncertain what the cause of these sensations is. The UCEM test will identify if you have a bacterial infection, and it will also help identify which bacteria is causing your symptoms. Knowing which bacteria is responsible for your symptoms is important so that our doctors can prescribe the correct antibiotics.

What are the symptoms and signs I need a UCEM test?

If you are experiencing any discomforts in and around your genitals or experience any of the symptoms listed below, then you should consider a UCEM test.

  • A burning or painful sensation when trying to urinate
  • Feeling the need to urinate more frequently during the night
  • The need to urinate comes on very suddenly
  • Urinating more frequently than usual
  • If your urine has a different smell, looks dark or is cloudy
  • If there is any blood in your urine
  • If you have any pain in your lower abdomen, in your lower back and below your ribs
  • If you have a fever, are feeling hot and or shivering
  • If you have an unusually low temperature below 36°C
Did you know? …
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI's) are very common in people of all ages. In middle aged adults the most frequent symptoms are pain and burning when urinating, but in the elderly UTI's can cause agitation and confusion, they can become delirious, may suffer incontinence and should be seen a doctor as soon as possible.

How does a UCEM test work?

There are two pats to a UCEM test. The first part involves an examination of a small amount of your urine sample under a microscope. A trained technician will look at the sample and the microscope will help them to see if there are any very small particles in your urine. These particles can be blood cells (red cells and / or white blood cells) and if these are seen, are a strong indicator that you have a urinary tract infection.

The second part of the UCEM test is culturing the sample. This involves spreading a small amount of the urine on a glass plate containing a growth media. This is then held at a specific temperature for a day or two to see if any bacteria will grow. If they do, they are identified, and a diagnosis of a UTI is made.

The results of our UCEM test are available one to two days from when we receive the sample at our Laboratory.

What are the risks if a UTI is left untreated?

Urinary tract infections can cause significant pain and discomfort in many people. If you are suffering from any stinging, burning or other pain when you urinate then you should take steps to establish what the cause of the discomfort is. Some infections of the urinary tract can be serious and if left untreated can lead to permanent damage to your body and reproductive organs. Other infections will cause pain and discomfort but will fortunately not lead to long term damage. Nonetheless, it is important to take care of your health and to take all necessary steps to understand what is wrong with you.

Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor can decide what treatment is necessary and appropriate.

What if my UCEM test is positive?

If you test positive for a urinary tract infection (UTI) our Laboratory will determine what the bacteria responsible for your symptoms is, and what antibiotics will work against it. With this information, your doctor can decide if treatment is required and if it is, can prescribe the correct antibiotic at the correct dose to eliminate your infection and relieve you of your unpleasant and painful symptoms.

Better2Know will get you an appointment with one of our doctors or you may choose to use a doctor of your own.

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