The evaluation of a urinary tract infection begins with a history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam for females.

Physical findings in someone with a urinary tract infection may include:

• Abdominal tenderness
• Flank tenderness
• Fever

The diagnosis of a urinary tract infection may be made without testing. However, testing is performed to determine the severity of the infection. Testing is more commonly performed in those with recurrent infections.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a urinary tract infection include:

• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Complete blood count
• Kidney function tests

Less common tests that may be used to evaluate urinary tract infection include:

• Cystoscopy
• Cystogram:
• X-ray that highlights the bladder and urethra
• Intravenous pyelogram:
• X-ray that highlights the entire urinary tract
• CT scan of the abdomen
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Prostate ultrasound

For more information:

• Bladder infection evaluation
• Acute pyelonephritis evaluation
• Urinary tract infections in children evaluation