URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not only widespread but can also recur, become chronic, and pose a potential threat to a patient's health. Utilizing the correct testing method to identify the infection’s origin is essential for initiating treatment promptly and effectively.
While culture-based approaches prove effective in identifying most common UTIs, Phi Life Sciences’ molecular testing enhances the detection of severe and higher-risk UTIs resulting in faster turnaround times, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
WHY CHOOSE MOLECULAR UTI TESTING OVER CULTURE METHODS?
Molecular UTI Testing
• High Sensitivity: This molectular test is highly sensitive and can detect very low amounts of fungal or bacterial genetic material, making it effective for early disease detection.
• Quantitative Analysis: RT-PCR measures the abundance of genetic material present, offering insights into the severity of
the infection and colony counts.
• Specificity: It is highly specific, as it can differentiate between closely related species or strains of pathogens, identifying those with antibiotic resistance faster than by culture.
Detection of Non-Culturable Pathogens: Some pathogens causing UTIs may be difficult to culture. Molecular testing can detect the genetic material of these pathogens directly, overcoming the limitations of culture-based methods.
• Turnaround: Results available in 24-48 hours from receipt to the lab.
Culture UTI Testing
• Lower Sensitivity: Cultures may have lower sensitivity, leading to false-negative results, especially during the early stages of infection.
• Limited Specificity: Restricted specificity may lead to
challenges in distinguishing between closely related pathogens or identifying poly-microbial infections.
• Inability to Quantify: Culture testing methods often cannot provide quantitative information about the amount of infectious agents present.
• Cultural Requirements: Culture-based methods may require specific growth conditions for pathogens, often delaying results.
• Turnaround: Is dependent on the culture methods and can often be untimely causing delays in treatment.
27 Pathogens Tested
Acinetobacter baumannii
Candida albicans
Candida glabrata
Candida dubliniensis
Candida parapsilosis
Candida tropicalis
Citrobacter freundii
Morganella morganii
Proteus mirabilis
Proteus vulgaris
Providencia stuartii
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Serratia marcescens
Staphylococcus aureus
Enterobacter aerogenes
Enterobacter cloacae
Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecium
Escherichia coli
Klebsiella oxytoca
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes
Phi Life Sciences Molecular UTI Testing Includes:
• Collection kit includes your choice of collection devise - cups with transfer tubes or swabs for those patients with incontinence or mobility issues. Kit also includes biohazard bag for sample return.
• Comprehensive collection instructions.
• Return shipping or sample pick up.
• On line result reporting 24-48 hours after sample receipt.
• Easy to interpret patient-focused report which allows providers
to effectively address pathogens while maintaining responsible antibiotic stewardship.