12/01/2026
Due to changes in HSE guidance on how best to manage suspected Urinaty Tract Infection (UTI), we will no longer accept urine samples for dipstick testing. If you or a person you care for have symptoms of a UTI, please call us to book an appointment.
Read below for further info on how the doctor will assess if you have a UTI, why urine dipsticks are no longer recommended and how to help prevent UTI's?
Your doctor will establish whether you have a UTI by checking all your signs and
symptoms. In the past, your doctor may have used a urine dipstick test to check your urine
for a UTI. Dipstick testing is no longer recommended for this purpose in people 65 years
and over.
Why are urine dipsticks no longer recommended?
Up to half of older people can have bacteria living in their urine. This can be normal.
The urine dipstick test cannot tell the difference between bacteria that are causing infection
and those that are living harmlessly in the urine. This may lead to unnecessary antibiotic
use.
How is a UTI treated?
Your doctor will assess whether an antibiotic is required. Your doctor or nurse may ask for a
urine sample to send to the laboratory. Please do not bring a urine sample to your GP
practice unless you are requested to do so.
What can you do to help with symptoms of a UTI?
Drink enough fluids to stop you feeling thirsty.
Take paracetamol at regular intervals for pain relief, if it is suitable for you.
Only take antibiotics if they have been prescribed for you, and make sure you take them
exactly as directed.
Taking antibiotics be harmful when you don’t need them
Antibiotics can be life saving for serious urine infections, but antibiotics are not always
needed for urinary symptoms.
Antibiotics can cause side effects such as rash, stomach upset, thrush or interactions with
other medication. An infection called Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea (or C. diff) can also be
caused by antibiotics.
Antibiotic use can cause antibiotic resistance. If bacteria become antibiotic resistant, the
antibiotic that used to kill them no longer works. This means UTIs may be more difficult to
treat in the future.
In certain circumstances you may be asked to take long term antibiotics to prevent a UTI. It
is important that you speak to your doctor regularly about how long you need to take them
for. Taking antibiotics for too long may do more harm than good.
How can you help to prevent a UTI?
Drink enough water each day. This means drinking enough that your urine is pale in
colour and you do not feel thirsty
Wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
Keep your ge***al area clean and dry. Avoid perfumed products, for example bubble
bath, soap, talcum powder or wipes.
Wear loose cotton underwear
Try to fully empty your bladder when you pass urine
Try not to delay going to the toilet when you need to pass urine
Avoid getting constipated
Pass urine as soon as possible after s*x
Change incontinence pads regularly if you use them
Wash your hands after going to the toilet
