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UTI Testing for Home Health Agencies and Assisted Living Facilities

Apr 09, 2025

PSC Dx Team
UTI Testing for Home Health Agencies and Assisted Living Facilities UTI Testing for Home Health Agencies and Assisted Living Facilities

UTI testing is a critical component of quality care in home health agencies and assisted living facilities (ALFs), where urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain one of the most common and disruptive health issues. These environments care for vulnerable populations—particularly elderly residents and bed-bound patients—who are at significantly higher risk. In fact, research shows that up to 50% of homebound seniors and 57% of ALF residents experience a UTI each year. These infections are not only uncomfortable but are also a leading cause of hospitalizations and unnecessary antibiotic use.

At PSC Dx, we’re transforming how UTIs are managed—right from our base in Downers Grove, IL—with fast, accurate testing and expert clinical support.

The UTI Challenge in Home Health and ALFs

High Prevalence

In home health settings, nearly half of bed-bound seniors develop UTIs annually. The causes are multifaceted: limited mobility, chronic conditions, and frequent catheter use all play a role (PMC, 2012). In ALFs, the infection rate among women climbs to 57%, often due to age-related immune decline and underlying comorbidities (PMC, 2012).

Complications and Costs

If not treated properly, UTIs can lead to recurrent infections, sepsis, and increased care costs. In settings where patients may not have easy access to outside medical facilities, delays in diagnosis and treatment can have serious consequences.

Antibiotic Resistance

Over 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur annually in the U.S. (CDC). Inappropriate or empirical antibiotic use often leads to ineffective treatment, prolonged illness, and the rise of resistant strains.

PSC Dx’s Solution: Fast, Reliable UTI Testing at Your Door

We bring the lab to your patients—eliminating delays and delivering clinical clarity faster than traditional models. Our mobile diagnostic service ensures that patients don’t have to wait days—or travel miles—for accurate results. Instead of relying on time-consuming, off-site lab processing, PSC Dx offers on-demand, doorstep testing with same-day specimen pickup and 24-hour turnaround for results.

This means no more waiting, guessing, or risking improper treatment. Care teams get the information they need—quickly and precisely—to make confident decisions, start targeted therapy sooner, and improve outcomes for patients who need it most.

Comprehensive Testing from a Single Swab

Our advanced UTI panel uses just one swab to detect 35+ pathogens (including E. coli, Klebsiella, and others) along with resistance genes like mecA. Results are delivered within 24 hours, providing a complete picture of the infection.

Expert Pharmacist Support

A dedicated pharmacist doctor is available to guide clinicians in choosing the most appropriate antibiotics—minimizing resistance and optimizing outcomes.

Same-Day Specimen Pickup

Based in Downers Grove, IL, we offer same-day specimen collection—a critical benefit for patients who are bed-bound or living in ALFs, ensuring care without the burden of travel.

Real-World Impact

For Home Health Agencies

Faster, more accurate testing empowers home health teams to intervene quickly—preventing hospitalizations and improving quality of care for bed-bound patients.

For Assisted Living Facilities

Faster, more accurate testing empowers home health teams to intervene quickly—preventing hospitalizations and improving quality of care for bed-bound patients.

Shared Advantages

Both settings benefit from reduced infection recurrence, lower hospitalization rates, and better antimicrobial stewardship—thanks to PSC Dx’s targeted, expert-driven approach.

Conclusion

UTIs are a persistent challenge in both home health and assisted living environments—but they don’t have to be. With PSC Dx’s mobile, rapid-response testing and clinical support, your team can act quickly, treat confidently, and reduce the burden on your most vulnerable patients.

Ready to improve care?

Reach out to contact@pscdx.com or call 630-296-4105 to learn how PSC Dx can support your facility.

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