Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Test Measures
Interpreting Results
FAQ's
Other Tests
Content created by
Written by
Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
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Urine Culture and Sensitivity

Also known as Urine C/S, Urine Culture
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Urine sample must preferably be the midstream urine (part of urine that comes after first and before the last stream). Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile container provided by our sample collection professional. Make sure that the container doesn't come in contact with your skin. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed.

Understanding Urine Culture and Sensitivity


What is Urine Culture and Sensitivity?

Culture Urine is a test that can detects the presence of pathogens or harmful microbes in your urine. Pathogens which cause urinary tract infection (UTIs) can enter the urinary system through the urethra, where they multiply and give rise to infection. The common symptoms of UTI are pain while urinating, fever and an urge to urinate frequently. Your doctor might suggest this test, if they suspect a UTI.

If the results are positive for UTI, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic course. 

Please be informed that- " A negative urine culture indicates no signs of microbial infection, hence it will not show sensitivity to various antibiotics."

What is Urine Culture and Sensitivity used for?

·    To detect and diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the presence of symptoms such as burning sensation during urination, increased frequency of urination, pain in abdomen, fever, blood in urine etc.

·        To screen for urinary tract infections in the first trimester of pregnancy



What does Urine Culture and Sensitivity measure?

The urine culture & sensitivity test is performed to detect and diagnose a microbial infection of the urinary tract. The metabolic processes in the body produce products called metabolites which are present in the blood. Some of them are utilized by cells, while others are wastes which are filtered out of the blood by the kidneys in urine. Urine produced by the kidneys passes through ureters into the urinary bladder where it is stored until the urinary bladder is full. Once full, the urinary bladder releases the urine through another tube called urethra to the outside of the body. The pathway followed by urine from the kidneys to the outside is called the urinary tract. The urinary tract may be infected by some microorganisms causing various conditions. Urine is normally sterile, but if urinary tract infection occurs, the pathogenic microorganism may be found in urine. A urine sample is collected and cultured to detect such an infection and to identify the microorganism causing it.

The collected urine sample is placed on an agar medium (nutrient solution mixed with agarose gel) and incubated at body temperature for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the growth of the microorganisms in the sample if any. Growing microorganisms form different types of colonies on the agar which are studied further in a laboratory to determine the exact microbe causing the UTI.

Once the pathogen is identified, antibiotic susceptibility test is performed to guide treatment for the UTI being tested for. This may be done in two ways. The conventional method involves the use of small filter paper discs with antibiotic of known concentration and placing them on agar plate where the pathogen is cultured. The antibiotic creates a small area around the discs where the microorganisms do not form colonies. The radius of this zone is measured to estimate the efficacy and strength of that antibiotic in treating the UTI. The other method involves an automated machine to detect the sensitivity pattern to find out which antibiotic can be used to treat the infection.

Interpreting Urine Culture and Sensitivity results


Interpretations

Negative result: No colonies to less than 1,00,000 CFU/ml (Colony Forming Units)

Positive result:

·         Usually more than 1,00,000 CFU/ml

·         Patient undergoing antibiotic treatment: More than 1,000 CFU/ml

·         For gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus: Single colony

The negative result indicates no infection of the urinary tract.

The positive result indicates an infection of the urinary tract. The positive result is accompanied by an antibiotic susceptibility test.

In an uncontaminated sample, only a single type of colony is found and indicates a clinically significant positive result. However, if multiple colonies of different types are found, a sample contamination is indicated and the sample may need to be collected again.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Urine Culture and Sensitivity


Frequently Asked Questions about Urine Culture and Sensitivity

Q. What are the risk factors for development of UTI?

Risk factors for development of urinary tract infection include: · Gender (UTIs are more common in females than males) · Sexual intercourse · Use of diaphragms or spermicides as contraceptives · History of UTIs in first degree female relatives (mother, sister) · Recurrent urinary tract infections · Diabetes · Use of Antibiotics

Q. What are Upper UTI and Lower UTI?

The upper urinary tract refers to the portion of the urinary tract that includes the kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary tract refers to the portion of the urinary tract including the urinary bladder and the urethra. Thus, Upper UTI refers to an infection of the kidneys or ureters, while Lower UTI refers to infection of the urethra or urinary bladder. Lower UTIs are more common and indicate the preliminary stage of an infection, while Upper UTIs are rarer and indicates a much advanced stage of urinary tract infection. Upper UTIs are more severe.

Q. Is there any preparation required before the Urine culture test?

It may be advised to collect an early morning urine sample (during the first urination after waking up). Inform the doctor of any medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before the Urine Culture Test.

Q. How is Urine culture test performed?

The test is performed on the urine sample. It is essential to prevent contamination of the sample with microorganisms naturally present on the skin. During urine collection, women should spread the labia (outer lips of the vagina) while men should retract or pull back the foreskin (fold of skin covering the glans or head of the penis). Start urinating normally and let some urine flow before collecting 20 to 30 ml urine the sterilized container available from the lab or any pharmacy. After collecting the sample, finish urinating into the toilet or urinal. This process is called midstream clean catch method. The urine sample may also be collected using a catheter inserted through the urethra directly into the urinary bladder. Sample collected through a catheter usually has no contamination.

Q. Is there any risk associated with Urine Culture test?

There is no risk associated with the Urine Culture test.

Q. What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal Urine culture test result?

Additional tests that may be prescribed are: · Urinalysis · Blood Test to detect advanced infections · Imaging tests to detect blockages in the UTI · Kidney Function Tests

Q. What can affect the Urine culture test results?

The Urine Culture Test can get affected if the patient has recently taken antibiotics before the sample collection. It may also be affected if the urine sample is not collected properly.

Q. What are the common UTI causing microorganisms?

Common microorganisms that may cause an UTI are: · Escherichia coli · Klebsiella spp. · Proteus spp. · Pseudomonas aeruginosa · Staphylococcus aureus · Enterococcus faecalis · Acinetobacter spp. · Streptococcus agalactiae · Candida spp.

Q. What are the common symptoms of UTI?

Common symptoms of UTI that may need to be tested with a Urine Culture Test are: · Frequent need for urination · Burning sensation while urinating · Clouded or strongly smelly urine · Fever and chills · Pain in the abdomen or back · Blood in urine
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