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Urine culture

Urine Culture
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What is a urine culture?

A urine culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria) that can cause an infection. A sample of urine is added to a substance that promotes the growth of germs. If no germs grow, the culture is negative. If germs that can cause infection grow, the culture is positive. The type of germ may be identified using a microscope or chemical tests.

Why is a urine culture done?

A urine culture may be done to find out if symptoms like pain or burning when urinating are from a urinary tract infection (UTI). The test can also find the cause of a UTI, help determine the best treatment for a UTI, and find out whether the treatment has worked.

How is a urine culture done?

You will be asked to collect a clean-catch midstream urine sample for testing.

  1. Wash your hands before collecting the urine.
  2. If the container has a lid, remove the lid of the container and set it down with the inner surface up.
  3. Clean the area around your penis or vagina.
  4. Begin urinating into the toilet or urinal.
  5. After the urine has flowed for several seconds, place the collection container in the stream and collect about 2 ounces (a quarter cup) of this "midstream" urine without stopping the flow.
  6. Don't touch the rim of the container to your genital area.
  7. Finish urinating into the toilet or urinal.
  8. Carefully replace the lid on the container.
  9. Wash your hands.

How do you prepare for your child's urine culture?

  • Your child will need to drink enough fluids and try to avoid urinating so that you will be able to collect a urine sample. Your child may need your help drinking enough and not going to the bathroom before the test.
  • The first urine of the day is best because bacterial levels will be higher.

What do the results of a urine culture mean?

Urine culture results are usually ready in 1 to 3 days. But some germs take longer to grow in the culture. So results may not be available for several days.

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Urine culture

Normal:

No bacteria or other germs (such as fungi) grow in the culture. The culture result is negative.

Abnormal:

Organisms (usually bacteria) grow in the culture. The culture result is positive.

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