UTI Diagnostics Study: Focus Groups

A diverse group of people smiling in individual video call frames, with central text that reads, Join a UTI Diagnostics Focus Group.

A research study to develop a rapid antibiotic susceptibility test for UTIs

Thank you for your interest in the UTI Diagnostics Study. 

This study is being facilitated by Microplate Dx. Microplate Dx is a company that is currently developing a fast, cost-effective urinary tract infection (UTI) test to be used on-site where the patient receives care - for example, at the GP clinic. The test detects whether any organisms present are resistant to particular antibiotics. This is called antibiotic susceptibility testing. 

We are seeking individuals with lived experience of UTI (personally or as a carer), to help shape the development of this new test, by taking part in one of three focus groups. This is an exciting opportunity to share your experiences and provide valuable insights on what you would like to see in a UTI diagnostic test.

Apply for the Study

What Is A Focus Group?

A focus group is a type of research method where a small group of people discuss a specific topic or product in a moderated setting, with the aim to gather in-depth opinions, thoughts, and feelings. Typically, a moderator leads the discussion with a set of questions and explores the perspectives of the participants. 

What Will The Focus Groups Involve?

We are seeking 30 participants to take part in one of three focus groups, each with a maximum of 10 participants. As a participant, you will play a vital role in providing feedback on Microplate Dx’s new antibiotic susceptibility test and sharing your opinions from your own experience.

The focus group will be held online via a Zoom video call and the anticipated duration is no longer than 90 minutes. 

Topics we’ll discuss:

  • Your personal experiences with UTI and UTI testing
  • An overview of Microplate Dx’s UTI diagnostic test and how it works
  • Your thoughts and feedback on the test and its potential impact

Will Participants Be Paid?

Participants will be paid for their time, at an hourly rate of GBP25 in line with NIHR public involvement payment guidance. 

When Will I Be Expected To Start?

The time for each focus group will be selected based on availability of the participants.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for 30 participants, and the role is open to individuals based in the UK. We aim to involve people with a range of lived experience of UTI and from a range of backgrounds. We ask you to complete a screening questionnaire to tell us about yourself and express your interest in being part of the study. We will use this information to identify a group of people with diverse experiences, who will then be invited to join. Not everyone who applies will be eligible to participate, but for those who are unable to join on this occasion, there may be other opportunities to help in UTI research in the future.

To be part of the study, you must:

  • Be aged 18 years or older 
  • Be based in the UK (including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)
  • Have experienced at least one UTI in the last 12 months; OR
  • Be a carer for an individual who experiences recurrent UTI

If you are interested in this role, please fill out the screening questionnaire to express your interest. 

Do I Need To Have any Experience with Focus Groups?

No, you do not need to have prior experience with focus groups. We welcome anyone who meets the above criteria and has an interest in improving UTI diagnostics. The organised meetings will be held by a representative of Live UTI Free who will guide the discussions.

What Happens If I Can’t Attend The Focus Group?

Meeting times will be selected in advance, based on the availability of the group. If you find that you are unable to attend the scheduled session, please notify us as soon as possible. We understand that conflicts may arise, and we will do our best to accommodate the majority of participants.

Is There A Waiting List If The Study Is Full?

Yes, we will leave the screening questionnaire open for a short period of time in order to create a waiting list. If you are added to the waiting list after completing the screening questionnaire, you will receive an email to let you know. In the event that a place on the study becomes available, we will get in touch with those on the waiting list by email.
Apply for the Study

How Will The Data I Provide In The Screening Questionnaire Be Used?

Data collected via the screening questionnaire will be stored securely in a GDPR compliant drive and will be retained for 5 years beyond the end of the project.

What is the UTI Diagnostics Study?

Microplate DX has received National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding to develop and test RapidPlate™, a rapid, cost-effective antibiotic susceptibility test for urinary tract infections (UTIs) that can be used on site where the patient receives care, for example in a GP clinic. The new test delivers accurate antibiotic recommendations in under one hour, helping to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by preventing unnecessary or ineffective prescriptions. 

Working with other healthcare partners, Microplate Dx will test RapidPlate™ using 500 patient samples and compare it to current gold-standard testing methods. The project also will also gather healthcare professional views on the test and analyse the test’s cost-effectiveness.

With the potential to significantly improve UTI treatment, reduce hospitalisations, and lower NHS costs, RapidPlateâ„¢ is a platform that could transform the way infections are diagnosed and treated, offering fast, more accurate results.

The study commenced in December 2024 with an anticipated end in 2026. Meetings for the Focus Groups will take place between June and September 2025.Â