RecruitingInterventional

Evaluating a new rapid test for urinary tract infections in women

The EVOLUTION study is developing a new, fast urine test that can be done at your GP surgery or pharmacy. This test helps show if bacteria are likely causing your bladder infection (UTI) symptoms and which antibiotic might work best. Many people receive antibiotics for UTIs, but they don't always help if bacteria aren't the cause. Taking unneeded antibiotics can have side effects and make them less effective in the future. We want to see if using this new test alongside usual NHS care can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use while making sure people still get better safely. If you're a woman aged 18 or over with UTI symptoms and registered at a participating GP or pharmacy, you might be able to help us improve care for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

984

Start

27 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Specialty: General Practice, Primary sub-specialty: General Practice; Health Category: Infection; Disease/Condition: Other diseases of urinary system

What is this study about?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), sometimes called bladder infections, are very common. They can cause uncomfortable symptoms like needing to pee more often or a burning feeling when you go to the toilet. Often, doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat UTIs. However, not all UTIs are caused by bacteria, and if bacteria aren't present, antibiotics won't work.

Taking antibiotics when you don't need them can have downsides. They can cause side effects like an upset stomach, and over time, using antibiotics too much can make them less effective when they are truly needed. This is why researchers are looking for better ways to understand when antibiotics are really necessary for a UTI.

The EVOLUTION study is testing a new, quick urine test that doctors or pharmacists could use in their surgeries or pharmacies. This test is designed to quickly tell if bacteria are likely causing your UTI symptoms and, if so, which antibiotic would be most effective. By helping doctors make more informed decisions, this study hopes to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. This means patients would only take antibiotics when they are likely to help, potentially reducing side effects and protecting the effectiveness of antibiotics for the future. Your participation could help the NHS deliver more precise and effective care.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new, quick urine test for women with UTI symptoms.
It aims to help doctors decide if antibiotics are truly needed, reducing unnecessary use.
You'll give a urine sample, fill a questionnaire, and keep a symptom diary for 28 days.
Participation helps improve future NHS care and protect antibiotics.
Your medical care will not be affected if you choose not to join or decide to leave.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are a woman, aged 18 or older, and were born female. You also need to be registered with a GP surgery or pharmacy that is taking part in this specific study and currently have symptoms that your doctor thinks could be a UTI.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, already taking antibiotics for a long time, or have taken antibiotics for a UTI in the last seven days. Also, if you have certain existing health conditions like known problems with your urinary system, severe kidney problems, or diabetes, you wouldn't be eligible.

Other reasons you couldn't take part include having a bladder catheter, living in a care home, or if you've already taken part in this EVOLUTION trial before. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to check all these details with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I am a woman, or was assigned female at birth.
I am currently experiencing symptoms that my doctor thinks might be a UTI.
I am registered with a GP surgery or pharmacy that is taking part in this study.
I am not pregnant and have not taken antibiotics for a UTI in the last week.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the study, you will first be asked to give your written permission (consent). Then, you'll provide a urine sample and fill out a short questionnaire about your symptoms. After this, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will receive the usual care from the NHS, and the other group will get the usual NHS care plus a new urine test.

For the next 28 days, you'll be asked to complete a very quick online diary about how your symptoms are changing. Most people find this only takes a minute or two each day. The study runs from April 2026 to December 2027, but your personal participation would be for a much shorter period, mainly the initial visit and then the 28-day symptom diary.

Potential risks and benefits

There are several potential benefits to taking part. While you might not experience a direct medical benefit yourself, the new test could help your doctor make a more informed decision about whether antibiotics are necessary. Many participants find they feel more involved in their own care and that tracking their symptoms helps them understand their recovery. Crucially, by participating, you'll be helping to improve NHS care for other people in the future and contributing to the fight against unnecessary antibiotic use, which protects these important medicines for when they are truly needed. There are very few risks expected. No test is perfect, so there's a small chance an infection might not be picked up by the test. However, your GP or pharmacist will always consider both your symptoms and any test results, and they can still prescribe antibiotics if they believe you need them. Remember, most people recover well from UTIs with self-care alone. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Southampton
Approximate
Southampton, England

Common questions

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection that affects the bladder or waterworks, making you feel uncomfortable, often with a need to pee more or a burning sensation.

Why is this study important?

It's important because it aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use for UTIs, helping to save antibiotics for when they’re really needed and prevent side effects.

Will I automatically get antibiotics if I join?

No, your doctor or pharmacist will decide if you need antibiotics, based on your symptoms and, for some, the new test results.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

After an initial visit to give a urine sample and basic information, you'll complete a very short online symptom diary for 28 days.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you can leave the study at any point without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Rebecca Lowe

evolution@phc.ox.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.