Culture and Sensitivity Test, Aerobic Bacteria, Urine

• To diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) by identifying the presence of bacteria in the urine.
• To pinpoint the specific type of bacteria causing the UTI (aerobic bacteria in this case).
• To determine which antibiotics are most effective against the identified bacteria for targeted treatment.

This test establishes presence or absence of significant bacterial growth in urine. If significant growth is found then antibiotic susceptibility testing is also done.

This test requires a urine sample. Patient will be explained how to collect mid-stream urine sample in a sterile container.

Ideally, a urine culture should show no growth of bacteria, indicating a healthy urinary tract.

However, due to possible contamination during collection, a small amount of growth is sometimes tolerated.

Up to 10,000 colony forming units (CFU) per milliliter (mL) of urine is generally considered within the normal range for a urine culture.

• No growth/ Insignificant growth: This means that bacteria was not isolated in significant numbers in the sample.
• Significant Growth: This means that bacterium has been isolated in significant numbers thus implying it to be the causative agent of UTI. The sensitivity of the bacterium towards various antibiotics is also reported. The result have to be correlated clinically and other laboratory finding like pus cells in urine.
• Results may be false negative under the following conditions:

1. Patient is on antibiotics
2. Infection due to a fastidious or anaerobic bacterium (this test is for routine aerobic bacteria which are the causative agents of most UTI)

• Results may be false positive if contamination occurs while collecting the sample

A urine culture test is a laboratory procedure that detects bacteria or other germs in a urine sample. This test is important for diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and assists doctors in selecting suitable antibiotic treatments. 

A urine culture test is recommended for UTI symptoms like frequent urination, pain, or cloudy urine. A urine culture and sensitivity test is also recommended for pregnant women should be screened for bacteria, and a follow-up test is essential after treatment to ensure the infection has been completely cleared.  

The urine culture test is crucial for accurately diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs). By identifying the specific pathogens causing infection, healthcare providers can select the most effective antibiotic treatments. This targeted approach not only ensures proper management of the infection but also helps prevent complications, such as kidney infections and recurrent UTIs. 

A urine test, or urinalysis, screens for various components in urine, including blood, protein, and white blood cells, which can indicate an infection. In contrast, a urine culture test specifically grows and identifies bacteria or yeast present in the urine. This detailed analysis is essential for guiding targeted treatment and ensuring effective management of the infection. 

Urine culture test provide accurate UTI diagnoses, identify specific pathogens, guide effective antibiotic treatment, and monitor efficacy, minimizing recurrence and complications. 

No, fasting is not required before taking a urine culture test. However, it is recommended to collect the sample when urine has been in the bladder for 2 to 3 hours to increase the likelihood of detecting any present microorganisms. 

Yes, some labs, like Metropolis Healthcare, offer home sample collection for urine culture tests. Patients can use a special kit to collect a clean-catch urine sample at home. However, in certain situations, sample collection may need to be performed under medical supervision, such as with a catheter. 

The results of a urine culture test typically take 1 to 3 days. The sample is sent to a lab where bacteria or yeast are grown and multiplied before being identified and counted.