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

Findings on examination in urinary tract infections may include:

• Abdominal tenderness
• Tenderness over the back or flank
• Fever

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

Testing for urinary tract infections may include:

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

Less commonly performed tests for urinary tract infections include:

• Cystoscopy
• Cystogram:
• A special x-ray that highlights the bladder and urethra
• Intravenous pyelogram:
• An x-ray study of 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