URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)
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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.
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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.
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• 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
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Acinetobacter baumannii
Candida albicans
Candida glabrata
Candida dubliniensis
Candida parapsilosis
Candida tropicalis
Citrobacter freundii
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Morganella morganii
Proteus mirabilis
Proteus vulgaris
Providencia stuartii
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Serratia marcescens
Staphylococcus aureus
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Enterobacter aerogenes
Enterobacter cloacae
Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecium
Escherichia coli
Klebsiella oxytoca
Klebsiella pneumoniae
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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.
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• Comprehensive collection instructions.
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• Return shipping or sample pick up.
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• On line result reporting 24-48 hours after sample receipt.
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• Easy to interpret patient-focused report which allows providers
to effectively address pathogens while maintaining responsible antibiotic stewardship.
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