A urine culture is a lab test to check for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample.

Results of a urine culture are often interpreted in conjunction with the results of a urinalysis and with regard to how the sample was collected and whether symptoms are present. Jul 26, 2017 Results of a urine culture are typically ready in two to three days. If your result comes back positive, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help eliminate the harmful bacteria. Feb 12, 2019 A Urine culture test results are generally ready in 3 days. However, some germs may take longer to grow in the culture. So, results may take several days. The result of the urine culture test indicates to be normal or the urine culture test result is negative, if there is no growth of bacteria or other germs (like fungi) in the culture. The results of a urine culture help your doctor find out what's causing your infection and determine the best way to treat it. Almost 90% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by E. Other types of bacteria, tuberculosis, and yeast infections can also cause a urinary tract infection.

It can be used to check for a urinary tract infection in adults and children.

Most of the time, the sample will be collected as a clean catch urine sample in your health care provider's office or your home. You will use a special kit to collect the urine.

A urine sample can also be taken by inserting a thin rubber tube (catheter) through the urethra into the bladder. This is done by someone in your provider's office or at the hospital. The urine drains into a sterile container, and the catheter is removed.

Rarely, your provider may collect a urine sample by inserting a needle through the skin of your lower abdomen into your bladder.

The urine is taken to a lab to determine which, if any, bacteria or yeast are present in the urine. This takes 24 to 48 hours.

If possible, collect the sample when urine has been in your bladder for 2 to 3 hours.

When the catheter is inserted, you may feel pressure. A special gel is used to numb the urethra.

Your provider may order this test if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection or bladder infection, such as pain or burning when urinating.

You also may have a urine culture after you have been treated for an infection. This is to make sure that all of the bacteria are gone.

'Normal growth' is a normal result. This means that there is no infection.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

A 'positive' or abnormal test is when bacteria or yeast are found in the culture. This likely means that you have a urinary tract infection or bladder infection.

Other tests may help your provider know which bacteria or yeast are causing the infection and which antibiotics will best treat it.

Sometimes more than one type of bacteria, or only a small amount, may be found in the culture.

Urine Culture Results Lactobacillus Species

There is a very rare risk of a hole (perforation) in the urethra or bladder if your provider uses a catheter.

You may have a false-negative urine culture if you have been taking antibiotics.

Dean AJ, Lee DC. Bedside laboratory and microbiologic procedures. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 67.

Germann CA, Holmes JA. Selected urologic disorders. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 89.

I Results On Urine Culture

Schaeffer AJ, Matulewicz RS, Klumpp DJ. Infections of the urinary tract. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 12.

How To Read Urine Microbiology Results

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.