urine culture
A urine culture is a lab test that checks for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample, often to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI). The test involves culturing the urine to see if any microorganisms grow, and identifying them to determine the type of infection.
Purpose:
Diagnosing UTIs:
A positive urine culture, along with other symptoms, can confirm a UTI.
Identifying the causative organism:
The culture helps identify the specific bacteria or yeast causing the infection, which is crucial for choosing the right antibiotic.
Determining antibiotic susceptibility:
The test can also be used to determine which antibiotics will be effective in treating the infection.
Monitoring treatment:
Urine cultures can be done after treatment to ensure the infection is gone.
Procedure:
- A urine sample is collected, ideally the first urine of the day.
- The sample is sent to a lab, where it's cultured in a growth-promoting medium.
- If bacteria or yeast are present, they will multiply and grow in the culture medium.
- Lab technicians examine the grown microorganisms to identify them and determine their number.
Results:
- Positive: Indicates the presence of bacteria or yeast in the urine, suggesting a UTI.
- Negative: Indicates no bacteria or yeast growth, suggesting no infection.
- Quantitative results: The number of bacteria or yeast colonies in the urine may be measured to assess the severity of the infection.
Important considerations:
- Proper urine collection techniques are important to ensure the accuracy of the results.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing is often done on positive cultures to guide treatment decisions.
- A positive urine culture may not always indicate a true infection, as some bacteria may be present in the urine without causing symptoms.