What is the Newfoundland UTI Self-Test Kit?

It is an at-home urine test that screens for two common signs of a urinary tract infection. Each pack contains three test strips, so you can test more than once or keep one for another occasion. A result appears within about two minutes.

How does the test work?

The strip carries two reagent pads. One detects nitrites, which many of the bacteria that cause urine infections produce, and the other detects leukocytes, the white blood cells your body sends to fight infection. Each pad changes colour, and you compare it with the chart supplied in the pack.

How accurate is this test?

The manufacturer states the test is over 99% accurate, and dipsticks of this type are used in the NHS. What a dipstick cannot do is identify which bacterium is responsible or which antibiotic would treat it, and a negative result does not exclude infection. It is a screening test to help you decide whether to seek advice.

When should you use it?

People commonly use it when they have symptoms such as pain or burning when passing urine, cloudy, bloody or strong-smelling urine, needing to pass urine more often, or pain in the lower abdomen. Test with the first urine of the day where you can, as it is more concentrated.

What should you do with your result?

A positive result should be considered alongside your symptoms and discussed with your GP or pharmacist, who can advise on treatment. If the result is negative but your symptoms persist, tell your GP as well – a urine infection can be present without either marker showing, and other conditions can cause the same symptoms.

How to use the Newfoundland UTI Self-Test Kit

Read the instructions supplied in your pack before you start. You will need a timer and the colour chart from the pack.

• Get ready: Have a timer and paper towel nearby. Check the strip’s expiry date and that its sealed pouch is undamaged. Let the strip and the urine reach room temperature.
• Prepare for the sample: Wash the genital area with soap and water, then rinse well. You can test directly in your urine stream or use a collected urine sample.
• Wet the test pads: Open the pouch without touching the pads. Hold the absorbent end in the urine stream, or dip it into the sample, for 1 to 2 seconds. Make sure both pads are fully wet.
• Start the timer: Remove the strip, touch its edge to a paper towel to absorb excess urine, then lay it flat with the pads facing upwards.
• Read each pad at the right time: Compare the nitrite (NIT) pad at 1 minute and the leukocyte (LEU) pad at 2 minutes against the colour chart supplied with your kit. Do not rely on a reading taken after 3 minutes, as the colours continue to change.

If either pad is positive

As with all diagnostic tests, a positive result should be considered with your other symptoms and discussed further with your GP or pharmacist, who can advise on whether treatment is needed.

If the result is negative but symptoms persist

Tell your GP so it can be looked into further. A negative dipstick does not rule out a urine infection, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

See someone urgently if you are more unwell

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 straight away if you develop a fever, pain in your back or side, shivering, confusion, or blood in your urine. These can be signs the infection has reached the kidneys and needs treating quickly.

A self-test is not a substitute for seeing a doctor

Results should be considered alongside your symptoms and medical history. You should not make a diagnosis or start any treatment without a consultation with a doctor or a trained healthcare professional. If you are unwell, or your symptoms are getting worse, contact your GP or call NHS 111 rather than waiting on a test.

There are no side effects from using the Newfoundland UTI Self-Test Kit in the way a medicine has side effects. It contains no medicinal ingredients, nothing is taken into the body, and the test is performed on a urine sample.

What you may experience

• Reading the colours: The pads are compared against a printed chart, which can be harder to judge in poor light. Read them in good daylight where you can.
• Waiting for the result: The nitrite pad is read at 1 minute and the leukocyte pad at 2 minutes.

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 promptly if you develop any of the following

• A fever, shivering or feeling generally unwell: This can mean the infection is spreading and needs treating quickly.
• Pain in your back or side: This can indicate a kidney infection and should be assessed the same day.
• Blood in your urine: This should always be assessed in person, whatever the test shows.
• Confusion or drowsiness, particularly in an older person: Urine infections can present this way in the elderly and need urgent attention.
• Symptoms in pregnancy: Urine infections in pregnancy are treated differently and should always be discussed with your midwife or GP.

This test is for self-testing purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or advice. Follow all instructions exactly to avoid false results.

Before you use the kit

• It screens, it does not diagnose: The strip detects two signs associated with infection. It cannot identify which bacterium is responsible or which antibiotic would treat it.
• A negative result: A negative result does not rule out a urine infection. If your symptoms persist, speak to your GP.
• Do not self-treat: You should not make a diagnosis or start any treatment, including leftover antibiotics, without a consultation with a doctor or a trained healthcare professional.
• Things that can affect the reading: Vitamin C supplements, some medicines and very dilute urine can affect the pads. Testing the first urine of the day gives a more reliable result.
• Men, children and pregnancy: Urine infections in men, in children and in pregnancy need assessing by a clinician rather than managing at home.
• Single use: Each strip is single use. Do not reuse a strip and do not use the kit after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

A self-test is not a substitute for seeing a doctor

Results should be considered alongside your symptoms and medical history. You should not make a diagnosis or start any treatment without a consultation with a doctor or a trained healthcare professional. If you are unwell, or your symptoms are getting worse, contact your GP or call NHS 111 rather than waiting on a test.

Storage and disposal

• Where to keep it: Store the kit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.
• Keep the pouch sealed: Leave each strip in its sealed pouch until you are ready to test, and do not touch the pads.
• After use: Dispose of the used strip in your household waste.
• Do not flush: No part of the kit should be flushed down the toilet.