The Forbury Clinic has introduced rapid testing for urinary tract infections (UTIs) at its clinics in Reading, Newcastle and London, giving patients results in around 35 minutes rather than waiting days for laboratory cultures.
The Lodestar DX molecular test, developed by British medical technology company Llusern Scientific, can identify six common UTI-causing bacterial targets in a urine sample and indicate when more than one is present. It is available as part of the clinic’s specialist pathway for patients with recurrent and difficult-to-treat infections.
The technology detects bacterial DNA directly, removing the need to wait for bacteria to grow before providing an initial bacterial identification. Results are available in approximately 35–40 minutes, compared with around 48–72 hours for a full laboratory culture report.
For patients experiencing repeated infections, the test provides earlier information to support specialist assessment and help clinicians consider the next steps in their care. It is used alongside traditional culture, which remains important for determining antibiotic susceptibility.
The test detects E. coli, Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
UTI diagnosis has traditionally relied on assessment of symptoms, urine dipsticks and laboratory cultures. Dipsticks can provide an initial indication of infection but do not identify the bacteria responsible, while culture results can take several days. Patients may therefore be prescribed antibiotics before laboratory findings are available.
Prof Bob Yang from The Forbury Clinic said:
 “This is a genuinely exciting development in the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections. For many years, we have relied on diagnostic methods that can leave patients waiting days for answers, particularly when dealing with recurrent or complex infections.
“For patients who have experienced repeated episodes of pain, discomfort and uncertainty, being able to obtain meaningful results during a consultation could make an enormous difference. Instead of relying solely on symptoms or waiting several days for laboratory results, we can now identify some of the most important bacteria responsible for UTIs in around 35 minutes and use that information to help guide the next steps in treatment.”
The Forbury Clinic provides consultant-led private medical care in Reading, Newcastle and London. Services include urology, ear, nose and throat care, ophthalmology, dermatology, medical imaging and other specialist services, with availability varying by location.
For more information, visit The Forbury Clinic.
