How NGS is Changing UTI Testing

UTIs are a common and uncomfortable issue that many of us face. Some people can be at higher risk than others, getting them more often.

Typically, diagnosing a UTI involves urine cultures—a process that can be slow and not always accurate. But thanks to advancements in technology, specifically Next-Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS), diagnosing UTIs is getting a major upgrade.

Let’s dive into how MicroGenDX is making waves in UTI testing.



What is a UTI?

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common health issue that occurs when bacteria infect the bladder or urethra. Discomforting symptoms of a UTI include:

• burning sensation when you urinate
• frequent urges to use the bathroom
• cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• fever

In more severe cases, UTIs can lead to kidney infections, which can cause back pain, fever, or nausea.

To diagnose a UTI, healthcare providers ask for a urine sample to check for the signs of bacteria and white blood cells.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics. Complicated UTIs, such as those affecting the kidneys, may require a longer course of medication. You should consult your healthcare provider to make sure your infection is fully eradicated.

 

 

You should also discuss any test results with your provider and work with them to determine the next steps on your healthcare journey.

 

High-Risk Groups

Some groups have more risk of contracting a UTI, such as: 

• Women
• Post-menopausal women
• Pregnant women
• Men with prostate problems
• Sexually active persons
• Persons with indwelling urinary catheters
• Persons with abnormal urinary tracts
• Immune System Suppressed persons
• People with certain medical history (e.g., kidney stones)

 People who fall into at least one of these groups may benefit the most from NGS.

 

The Old Way: Urine Cultures

Urine cultures have been the go-to method for diagnosing UTIs for ages. While they can work, they come with some serious drawbacks:

• Takes Forever: Urine cultures need over 48 hours to grow bacteria, before bacteria can be identified which means you wait longer for your results.

• Not Always Accurate: Cultures can miss certain bacteria, especially the tricky ones that don’t grow well in a lab.

• Mixed Signals: Sometimes culture results may show "mixed flora," making it difficult for you or your doctor to figure out the cause.

These issues can delay treatment and leave you feeling lousy longer than necessary.

Yet, there's a newer, more precise, and more holistic way to answer the key concern – How to treat my UTI?

 

The Game-Changer: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

NGS, especially through MicroGenDX testing, is changing the world of diagnostic testing by providing a faster, more accurate, precision UTI testing option.

 

Here’s why NGS is a big deal:

 

Better Detection

A recent study found that sequencing technologies like PCR and NGS are better than standard urine cultures.

• More Findings: NGS detected bacteria in 51.7% of cases, compared to standard urine cultures detecting 43.3% of bacteria.
• Higher Sensitivity: NGS had a sensitivity of 83.3%, while urine cultures lagged behind at 50%. This illustrates NGS is much better at catching bacteria in your urine.
• Value for High-Risk Groups: The study noted NGS would "elevate the quality of care" for high risk patients in particular by detecting even minimal quantities of pathogenic DNA. 

Faster Results

Speed is one of the biggest perks of NGS:

• Instant Insights: MicroGenDX can provides PCR results 24-48 hours upon receiving the sample, giving you quick initial insights.
• Full Results in Days: Detailed NGS results are usually returned in an average of 3.5 days, faster than waiting for traditional cultures.

Deeper Insight

NGS doesn’t just find more bacteria; it provides a detailed breakdown of what’s in your sample. It can identify multiple pathogens at once, including those that don’t grow in regular cultures.

Physicians often call these microbes called viable but non-culturable bacteria (VBNC), fastidious microbes, or anaerobic bacteria. However, MicroGenDX testing is more than just NGS – it detects antibiotic resistance with an integrated PCR test.

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging problem in medicine. If drug resistant genes are present, they can pose complications for your own treatment, as these genes can share immunity to the various bacteria in the infection.

Leveraging qPCR, the same rapid testing technology used for COVID-19 testing, MicroGenDX detects the presence of 17 types of common antibiotic resistance.

By checking for drug resistant genes, MicroGenDX helps physicians formulate more precise diagnoses and devise effective treatments.

In fact, MicroGenDX testing indicates specific antibiotics that may be effective for treatment, taking into account any detected drug resistance. This feature of our test report offers actionable insight to both patients and their providers.

Moreover, providers can better combat this emerging problem, preserving the usefulness of these key medicines.

Detailed information like this is key to getting you the right treatment, saving you and your provider valuable time, and helping you get better faster.

 

Why This Matters for You

The benefits of NGS testing translate to better care for you:

• Quick Diagnosis: Faster results mean you can start treatment sooner and feel better quicker.
• Accurate Treatment: Identifying the bacteria behind an infection helps doctors prescribe the best-fit antibiotics. This can reduce both treatment time and the odds of lingering drug-resistant bacteria.
• Fewer Complications: With precise and timely treatment, you’re less likely to have complications or recurring infections.

 

Are the Tradeoffs Worth the Cost?

While NGS testing can be pricier than some traditional cultures, the benefits of this advanced UTI test often outweigh the costs. Faster, more accurate diagnoses can lead to better outcomes, fewer complications, and potentially lower healthcare costs over time.

MicroGenDX UTI Testing Kits

MicroGenDX integrates qPCR + NGS tech into a number of easy-to-use at home UTI test kits, such as:

1. UroKEY - Identifies bacteria and fungi in urine to isolate the cause(s) of UTIs and other urological issues with precision, sensitivity, and high accuracy.
2. WomensKEY - Analyzes a urine sample and vaginal swab to comprehensively detect pathogens behind UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, interstitial cystitis, and other urinary or genital infections.
3. MensKEY - Tests urine and semen to accurately find the cause of UTIs, prostatitis, bladder infections, and other male urinary or genital issues.

 

The Big Takeaway

Next-Generation DNA Sequencing is shaking up UTI diagnostics.

 

With faster, more accurate, and comprehensive results, NGS is setting the gold standard in patient care with advanced UTI diagnostics. MicroGenDX’s at-home, urine NGS tests are leading this charge, helping doctors diagnose and treat UTIs effectively and with ease.

If you’re dealing with UTI symptoms and want the best in testing and treatment, consider NGS testing. Ask your healthcare provider about NGS testing with MicroGenDX or check out our patient site for more information.

 

NGS testing presents a step towards faster relief and better health. Get better answers with MicroGenDX by your side.