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It can be a struggle to get to the doctors at the moment, with fewer appointments available and wanting to help ease the pressure on the NHS, something like a UTI might leave you questioning whether you should seek medical attention, especially if you’re unsure if you actually have one or not. If only there was a way to find out if you do have a UTI at home? Well now there is, newly launched in the UK TestCard provides an innovative test that allows you to take a quick and easy test from the comfort of your home. Without needing to send it off to a lab! Seems too good to be true right? WRONG, it’s a unique at-home testing kit, and it saves you needing to wait for appointments and test results. Keep reading to find out more.
What is TestCard?
TestCard was born after a chat at the school gates between two dads, Dr Andrew Botham and Luke Heron, discussing the delays in people seeking medical help. Especially when it comes to conditions that a lot of us find embarrassing to talk about. The duo saw a problem with the way in which people access tests and put their knowledge and skills together to create TestCard making, a complex process of testing, simple.
Their mission is to provide people with quick test results at home at any time. With their UTI test just being the tip of the iceberg, with lots more tests in the making for other conditions.
In 2020, TestCard were ready to launch their product within the UK market and is now available to purchase online for £12 for two tests.
How does TestCard work?
When your tests arrive, they will come in discreet packaging giving you that extra reassurance. Taking the test is simple, download the free TestCard app to your phone, and follow the steps.
Start by taking one of the tests out of the packet, always be sure to hold the test at the top blue strip where it says ‘hold here’. Then load up the app and scan in the QR code to provide the app with the information on what test it is taking. I found the test easy to use and it really is as easy as taking a sample into a clean container, dipping the test into the urine sample briefly, getting the squares wet, however, whilst making sure it stays below the max wet line. Let the app countdown time tell you when it’s ready to scan, following this scan the strip whilst still holding the top, align it within the app, wait a few seconds and that’s it your results are in.
If it comes back that you have a UTI, you can share the results with a healthcare professional if required, such as a pharmacy or a GP, to allow them to advise on treatment. Although some UTIs go away on their own, some will need antibiotics or further treatment.
Did you know women have a shorter urethra than men, meaning the bacteria is more likely to reach the bladder and kidneys causing an infection?
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
There are many symptoms of a UTI, but some of the main ones are:
- An intense burning when urinating
- Unusual smelling wee
- The sudden need to pee, even after you’ve just been
- Pain in the lower abdomen
I remember my first UTI and not knowing what on earth was going on with my body, it felt like the worst pain in the world and it wouldn’t stop. UTI’s can be painful and often keeps you from doing your day to day activities as you find yourself near the toilet a lot.
How do you get a UTI?
There are so many myths surrounding a UTI, but in reality, it is nothing to be ashamed of and you can get them from a variety of issues such as:
- Pregnancy
- Catheters
- Having a weakened immune system
- Not drinking enough water
Although these are some of the most common ways people get UTI’s, there are many reasons, and, there is nothing to be ashamed of, as they’re really common and easy to treat.
Hopefully, you found this post helpful and if you want to purchase yourself one of the TestCard kits, you can do so here.
Use my code OLIVIA10 at the checkout to get 10% off your order.
