Urine Culture & Sensitivity Test

Also known as a bladder infection, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection affecting the urinary system in the body. It occurs when yeast or bacteria enter the urinary system via the urethra and start to multiply in the bladder. These harmful bacterias may be living in the skin, rectum, or bowel and enter the urinary tract to cause infection. Though UTIs mostly happen in the bladder and urethra, bacteria can also reach the ureters and affect the kidneys.

A urine test, also known as urine analysis or urinalysis, is often included in the full-body check-up packages. The test can help doctors to detect health issues that may be revealed by the urine. These include urinary tract infection, kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease. Generally, doctors use diverse types of urine tests to look for different issues. These tests include a visual examination, microscopic test, dipstick test, albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), microalbumin test, urine culture, and 24-hour urine test.

A urine culture test is done in a diagnostic lab to check whether the urine has germs or bacteria. The test can be used to check for UTIs in both children and adults. For a urine culture test, the sample is kept for a few days to allow germs to multiply. Later the sample is examined through a microscope. A normal or negative test report means fewer or no presence of bacteria. However, a positive result indicates good bacterial or yeast growth. After this, other tests are ordered to narrow down the type of bacteria and, subsequently, the antibiotic required for effective treatment.

A urine culture and sensitivity test are used to detect and screen for diseases or medical issues related to urinary tract infection for people having symptoms like painful and frequent urination. The test helps doctors to know which bacteria are causing infections and what would the best medication to cure them. In other words, the sensitivity test after the urine culture test helps doctors identify which antibiotics can kill the issue-causing bacteria. Once people start taking medicines, they may undergo routine urinalysis to check how the treatment is going.

The report either comes negative or positive, so it is not difficult to understand the result. If a person’s urine shows the presence of bacteria or germs, the report will be positive, which means the person has to go through other tests to narrow down the issue and start an effective treatment. A negative urine culture test report tells no or fewer bacteria or organisms found in the urine sample. Those who test positive usually follow a sensitivity test to help determine the right antibiotics to kill the issue-causing bacteria.

One can collect a urine sample any time of the day unless the doctor or nurse asks to get the specimen at a particular time. The sample can be taken at the lab or at home. However, it is best to collect urine samples first thing in the morning because urine is more concentrated at that time and likely to show any abnormalities clearly. Also, to yield better results, it is preferred to take the sample of urine 'mid-stream'. It reduces the risk of sample contamination.

A positive urine culture report means there is bacterial growth and you have a urinary tract infection or bladder infection. The next thing the doctor wants to detect is the specific bacteria or yeast that is causing the infection. For this, the doctor will order a sensitivity test or other tests. Thus, the urine culture and sensitivity test help determine the right antibiotics to eliminate the issue-causing bacterias or yeasts and treat the infection effectively.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters. Generally, an infection happens in the lower urinary tract - the urethra and the bladder. The three most common urinary tract infection types or problems are incontinence (inability to control urine flow), cystitis or bladder infections, and kidney infections. Also, an enlarged prostate is a common problem in men with urinary tract issues that make it difficult to empty the bladder.

The result of a urine culture test takes around 2 to 3 days of time to be ready. The sample remains in the laboratory for 48-72 hours while lab technicians keep a close eye on it. They will observe the sample to determine the types of bacteria or germs in it and their growth. It is a simple test, and one can go back to usual daily activities right away. Remember, the test report will display bacteria if the urine sample was contaminated. Thus, it is vital to follow the right procedure while providing the specimen. Also, it is good to tell your doctor about the medicines, supplements, and over-the-counter tablets you are taking. These factors can affect the test results.

The price of the Urine Culture Test may differ from city to city. Below are our cities of service with the Urine Culture test price near you: