title: Urinary tract infection.
abstract: Symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common reason for seeking medical advice. UTIs are over-diagnosed and over-treated but there is the potential for them to cause serious complications, such as renal failure, if untreated. The initial diagnosis should be based on clinical assessment rather than urinalysis. Dipstick urinalysis should be performed where two or more symptoms are present. Positive results for leucocytes and/or nitrates indicate UTI which should be treated for three days with trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin. Note should also be taken of a raised pH which can indicate the presence of calculi and raised specific gravity which can indicate dehydration.