If one has ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the past, they must be in all awareness of the early warning signs. Having said that, one must understand that a UTI is caused by microbes which are generally some sort of bacteria that creates a sense of discomfort while urinating including pains, burning sensation, pelvic pains, increasing need to urinate, foul smell while urinating and change in urine color. These early warning signs are good enough to understand the presence of UTI. However one needs to get a proper diagnosis done to rule out or confirm the presence of UTI following which treatment will be done.

Urine Sample Analysis
This is essentially used to detect any presence of bacteria, especially E.coli that is prominently found. Also this is a very primary part of the diagnosis to find any germs causing irritation and pain in the urinary tract. This is a simple procedure where one has to give the urine in a sterile container preferably in the early morning hours. One important part of the process is to stay clean while collecting the urine. This urinalysis is used to do a routine urine test and conduct urine culture to diagnose the symptoms such as abdominal pain, stomach ache, blood in urine and frequent painful urination. The lab analysis results give an account of the white blood cell count, red blood cells count and the presence of the bacteria causing it.

Urine Culture
The urinary tract is a very delicate part and is quite susceptible to germs and bacteria, Urine culture is much needed and specifically in case of recurrent UTI. Again this is used to understand which kind of bacteria is sitting there and creating discomfort. Essentially as the body shows signs of UTI discomfort, this test is much needed to find any possibility of Creatinine as an indicator of kidney malfunction, bacteria, urinary casts, crystals found in certain substances in urine and anything that indicates kidney disease. As a general practice, one must get this test done even if they have early warning signs and are in an extreme state of discomfort

Imaging of the Urinary Tract
This may be suggested depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Generally this process is conducted to understand what’s happening in the urinary tract, bladder and other organs close to it associated with the early warning signs such as frequent and painful urination, lower abdominal pains, blood in urine and recurrent UTI. This will give an early understanding of the bones and organs inside the body. The idea behind this diagnosis is to find out cause behind urinary incontinence, frequent urination, blockage of urine, pain in lower back and groin, blood in urine, high blood pressure and kidney failure. Also, the early warning signs of a urinary tract infection can be further understood with this technique by knowing if there is a possibility of urine reflux and kidney issues.

Scope for Looking Inside the Bladder
This is ideally conducted in case of recurrent urinary tract infection wherein the doctor will use a long thin tube with a lens to detect any abnormalities inside the bladder and urethra. During the early warning signs of a urinary tract infection, the doctor can understand better as tow what is causing such as stones, obstructions and lesions in the bladder. This process is better known as cystoscopy and may be recommended during the early warning signs but in the case of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Blood Cultures
Along with urine culture, the doctor may ask to conduct a blood test to know if the infection has spread to the bloodstream. This may not be applicable to all patients with UTI but for acute cases. This overall diagnosis for early warning symptoms of a urinary tract infection can definitely help one know the root cause and understand how to prevent the onset in the near future