Home UTI Test Mistakes: Urologist Explains How to ACE the Home Urinalysis

Think all those little color squares on your home UTI test tell the full story? Think again!
I’m Dr. Mia Duncan, a dual-board-certified Urologist and Urogynecologist, and in this video I’ll unpack how to use and actually interpret your at-home urine dipstick — the same kind used in medical offices and urgent care. I can't tell you how important it is to use and understand this tool if you have a UTI. It can be empowering but only if used correctly and that's what I want to help YOU with! 🙏😊 It’s also Bladder Health Awareness Month — the perfect time to take a deep dive! 🚽🤿

👉You’ll learn:
🧪 The two pads that really matter — nitrite + leukocyte esterase
💊 How AZO, normal vaginal discharge, or frequent urination can throw off your results
❤️‍🩹 Why “blood” on a strip isn’t automatically bad news
🌸 That vaginal infections (yeast, BV) can perfectly mimic UTI symptoms — and lead to unnecessary antibiotics
🔁 When to repeat your test and when to call your clinician

💡Remember: Home UTI testing works best when you already have symptoms such as burning, urgency, or bladder pain.

🧪 Only nitrite and leukocyte esterase are FDA-cleared for home testing — other pads can mislead without context.

🧴 Some FDA-cleared UTI test links:
Healgen https://a.co/d/7wnr4fs
Diagnox https://a.co/d/5fujtJ5
Easy@Home https://a.co/d/0sTdXbw

NOTE: Always store your strips sealed and check the expiration date.

📚 This video is for educational use only — not a substitute for medical care.

🕒 Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to VTV + Intro to Home UTI Testing
00:42 – The 4 Main Types of UTI Tests (dipstick, microscopy, culture, molecular)
01:52 – What Your Home Dipstick Actually Measures (reagent pads explained)
02:50 – When to Use a Home UTI Test Kit
04:51 – Product Quality + FDA Approval (what really matters for accuracy)
06:30 – 4 Tips for a Clean Urine Collection 💧 (“garbage in, garbage out”)
08:19 – How to Dip + Read the Strip: Results, Pitfalls & Troubleshooting
12:53 – Recap + Key Takeaways: The 80% Rule, False Results, and When to Share

💙 November is *Bladder Health Awareness Month* — a perfect time to learn how to read your own urine test and take charge of your bladder health.
Share this video with a friend who’s ever struggled with UTIs or bladder pain.

#UTI #UTITest #HomeUTITest #WomensHealth #PelvicHealth #BladderHealth #UTImistakes #Urinalysis #BladderHealthMonth #TheVaginalChannel