Public Health Agency

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Adults

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects part of the urinary tract.

Signs and symptoms of UTI include dysuria, frequency, suprapubic tenderness, urgency, polyuria, haematuria and fever (≥38 degrees C). Hypothermia (low temperature of <36°C) may also indicate infection, especially in those with long-term health conditions (heart or lung disease, diabetes).

Dipstick tests in Over 65s:

  • Dipsticks should NOT be used to diagnose UTI in older people, as diagnosis in this group should be made on the basis of urinary symptoms and signs of sepsis identified as part of a full clinical assessment.
  • Do NOT send urine for culture if an older patient with no symptoms or other signs of a UTI produces a positive leucocyte or nitrate dipstick reaction as part of the overall examination process.
  • UTIs are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics.

There is now a ‘Decision aid for diagnosis and management of suspected urinary tract infection in older people’. This decision aid was adapted with permission from the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group’s document which is currently being used in Scotland.

This Decision aid is a flowchart that has been designed to help Nursing and Care staff and Prescribers manage patients/residents with a urinary tract infection.

There is also information available which provides good practice points and evidence sources for prescribers. The checklist will help care home staff collect information for discussion with clinical staff. Please click here to download the ‘Decision aid for diagnosis and management of suspected urinary tract infection in older people’ 

UTIs are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics.

If antibiotics are required, prescribers should refer to the most recent version of the Northern Ireland Management of Infection Guidelines for Primary Care, available online here.