Urinary Tract Pathogen Testing

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder, and the urethra. Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder. To help you get an accurate diagnosis, the lab experts at MD Molecular Diagnostics, in Dallas, Texas, offer urinary tract pathogen testing that can quickly determine the underlying cause of infection.

What is urinary tract pathogen testing?

Urinary tract pathogen testing is a molecular test that checks urine samples for various pathogens commonly responsible for UTIs. MD Molecular Diagnostics tests for urinary tract pathogens using a molecular method known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

This test looks for genetic material associated with pathogens commonly known to cause a UTI.  PCR is considered to be the gold standard in pathogen detection.  

UTI Symptoms include:

• Pain or burning while urinating
• Frequent urination
• Bloody urine
• Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen 

In addition to pathogen detection, the MD Molecular Diagnostics Urinary Tract pathogen detection test also looks for antibiotic-resistant biomarkers. Antibiotic resistance occurs when pathogens develop genes that nullify the antibiotics commonly used to fight them. This type of resistance leads to ineffective treatment, prolonging patient recovery. 

Who needs urinary tract pathogen testing?

Patients with ongoing UTIs or medication-resistant infections need urinary tract pathogen testing.

Despite being a common type of infection, more than 3 million cases go undiagnosed each year. 

Unfortunately, a urine culture — the most common method used to diagnose UTIs — may not identify all pathogens responsible for an infection. Additionally, you need a clean catch urine culture to get accurate results, which isn’t always possible.

Molecular urinary tract pathogen testing is more accurate and identifies more pathogens than a urine culture. 

What does urinary tract pathogen testing look for?

Urinary tract pathogen testing looks for all types of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The advanced test looks for various types of bacterial and viral targets, such as:

• Candida albicans
• Enterobacter cloacae
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella aerogenes
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus Group A and B

MD Molecular Diagnostics runs both the pathogen and antibiotic-resistant testing simultaneously, which isn’t possible using traditional urine culture testing. Early detection of these resistance markers is essential for developing accurate and effective treatment plans. 

When can I expect results from urinary tract pathogen testing?

MD Molecular Diagnostics uses the most advanced testing equipment and technology available.

Their reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test detects pathogen comorbidities with 98-100% accuracy and is 3-5 times more sensitive and 2-3 times faster than the conventional culture test. 

Results are routinely available within 24-48 hours.