Diagnosis of Bladder Infection in Adults

Health care professionals use your medical history, a physical exam, and lab tests to diagnose a bladder infection. In some cases, a health care professional may use other tests to help find the cause of a bladder infection.

Your health care professional will use your medical history, a physical exam, and lab and other tests to diagnose a bladder infection.

What tests do health care professionals use to diagnose a bladder infection?

Health care professionals may use lab tests to test your urine or your blood. Lab tests include urinalysis, urine culture, and blood tests. Your health care professional may also use imaging or other tests.

Lab tests

Urinalysis

Urinalysis checks your urine sample for blood in the urine and white blood cells. Your body produces white blood cells when it is fighting infection caused by bacteria.

Urine culture

Urine culture identifies some common types of bacteria in your urine. This test may help to see whether antibiotics are a treatment option. You will typically get your test results in a few days.

Blood tests

Blood tests look for a more serious infection, such as a kidney infection. A blood test may also show how well your kidneys are working.

Imaging and other tests

If you have repeat bladder infections, your health care professional may also use

• urinary tract imaging to help identify the cause of your infection, such as a kidney stone
• cystoscopy to look inside the urethra and bladder