Can a urinary tract infection (UTI) affect OncuraKit accuracy?

Active urinary tract infections (UTIs) introduce bacterial cells, white blood cells, and inflammatory cytokines into the urine that could potentially affect the collection and analysis. High concentrations of bacterial RNA could theoretically interfere with total RNA quantification (used for HL normalization). Additionally, the inflammatory response to a UTI can transiently elevate miR-21 in urinary cells and their shed contents. We recommend waiting until a UTI has fully resolved and you have completed your antibiotic course before collecting your OncuraKit sample. Yenos's internal control (miR-15b-5p) may flag a technically compromised sample, but waiting until you are infection-free is the best approach.