Final answer:
The diagnosis of a UTI is a two-stage process that begins with a medical history and symptom review, followed by laboratory tests including a urinalysis, microscopic examination, and potentially a urine culture to determine the causative bacteria and appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is essentially a two-stage process. Initially, a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of a UTI, such as abdominal pain, high fever, bloody urine, or frequent and painful urination, will have their medical history and symptoms reviewed by a healthcare professional. To confirm the diagnosis, the second stage involves laboratory testing of a urine sample. This may include a urinalysis using test strips, a microscopic examination to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria, or a urine culture to identify the presence and type of bacteria. The results of these tests are critical to determining the appropriate treatment, such as the selection of an effective antibiotic.
Urinalysis may also involve checking for nitrites, produced by many bacteria, and leukocyte esterase, an enzyme present in white blood cells that indicates inflammation or infection. Additionally, in some cases, especially in severe or complicated UTIs like pyelonephritis, further evaluation may include blood cultures or imaging of the kidneys. Understanding the pathogen causing the UTI, its susceptibility to various antibiotics, and the presence of any complications directs the healthcare professional in providing the most effective treatment. Antibiotics commonly used to treat UTIs include penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and others, depending on the type of bacteria and patient-specific factors.