I've been using these test strips for 2 years. Unlike some of the name brands that I've tried, these test strips are rarely defective. I found 1 in 22 of these test strips to be defective compared to 1 in 8 defective test strips of AZO brand.
These test strips are easy to use and interpret. You need a clean urine sample. Refrain from using wipes like they give you in the doctor's office, which can actually alter the results. My preferred method: put the urine in a sterile cup and dip the test strip in. Make sure that both of the pads on the test strip are thoroughly saturated.
Set the test strip on a folded up paper towel on the counter. Wait two minutes. If the pads on the test strip remain white you do not have a urinary tract infection. This does not mean that you don't have a different type of infection or problem like a kidney stone or yeast so see your doctor if you are having any kind of discomfort.
If the pads on the test strip turn colors, there's a chance you have a urinary tract infection. Keep in mind that your monthly cycle, yeast infections, and medications can cause false positives. I generally use two test strips, one in the morning and one at night. Similar results on both strips generally indicate an infection.
These test strips test for both Leukocyte and Nitrite levels with one strip. Other expensive brands generally only test for one or the other. I like having two different indicators, because I think it leads to a more accurate result and it's less likely that you have a false positive result.
Once you open these test strips, store them in their original container in a cool, dry place. The manufacturer says to dispose of the strips within 3 months of opening. I have used strips that were opened 6+ months ago and they are just as accurate as freshly opened strips. I keep mine in the kitchen cabinet.
Once you confirm you have a urinary tract infection you can make an appointment with your doctor, Planned Parenthood, or Doctor on Demand. Planned Parenthood offers online treatment for urinary tract infections in some areas and is accepted by most insurance plans.
I prefer to use Doctor On Demand for urinary tract infections. I can take a picture of the test strip with positive results and upload it to Doctor On Demand. They can treat my urinary tract infection on the spot. Some employers, like my significant others, offer $10 co-pays for Doctor On Demand or you can usually get your first visit for free.
These test strips have saved me multiple trips to the doctor's office. Unlike the name brand strips (AZO) which cost $3+ per strip, these test strips cost approximately 30 cents each. Even though they are cheaper than the name brands, these test strips are just as accurate as the name brand strips when I tested them side by side.
I had five AZO test strips remaining, so I decided to use them alongside these test strips. The AZO results which were positive showed up as colorful on these strips indicating an infection. None of the AZO test strips showed a positive result that was contradicted by these test strips. The brands were always in agreement.
I used to get urinary tract infections once a month or more frequently. I suffer from Vulvodynia and it's difficult to tell when the pain is due to that or a urinary tract infection, which is why I use home test strips. With some lifestyle changes I have been able to keep my urinary tract infections to one or two a year, usually caused by medications.
If you think you have a urinary tract infection, or feel the symptoms of one coming on, take AZO Urinary Tract Defense immediately. If you take it at the first sign of an infection, you can often prevent the infection from going full blown. AZO no longer turns your urine red or orange, so it's much easier to take now then it was in the past.
If you know what triggers your urinary tract infections, such as taking certain prescription medications or intercourse, you can take AZO prior to the medication or activity to prevent a urinary tract infection from forming. If you already have an infection, AZO can lessen the pain and urination frequency until you can see a doctor.
Despite wearing 100% cotton white underwear, using only natural pads for my bladder leakage, and using only unscented bath products I still ended up with urinary tract infections almost monthly...until I went to urgent care. The doctor at urgent care told me about the benefits of taking cranberry (which I already knew) and D-Mannose daily.
I was extremely skeptical since I had tried cranberry products in the past and they never helped. Still, I followed the doctor's recommendation and six months later I had not had a single urinary tract infection. I now only get infections when my PH level changes, usually due to a medication like antibiotics or Prednisone.
I now take 12,600 milligrams of Cranberry twice a day and 1,500 milligrams of D-Mannose twice a day. I take the doses with breakfast and dinner. They have almost completely eliminated my UTI's. I use Best Naturals brand cranberry capsules and Now Foods D-Mannose capsules. If you suffer from UTI's, give them a try.
Urinary tract infection's are never a fun thing to go through. With test strips like this I can avoid trips to the lab which can take days to get results. Now if I could just figure out how to avoid going to the doctor for other problems in life, I would be a happy camper!
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