A urine culture is a lab test to check for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample.
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Alternative NamesCulture and sensitivity - urine
How the test is performedMost of the time, the sample will be collected as a clean catch urine sample in your doctor's office or home. You will use a special kit to collect the urine.
A urine sample is taken by inserting a thin rubber tube (catheter) through the urethra into the bladder. This is done by someone in your doctor's office or at the hospital. The urine drains into a sterile container, and the catheter is removed.
Rarely, the health care provider may choose to collect a urine sample by inserting a needle through the skin of the lower abdomen into the bladder.
The urine is taken to a lab to determine which, if any, bacteria or yeast are present in the urine. This takes 24 - 48 hours.
How to prepare for the testIf possible, collect the sample when urine has been in your bladder for 2 to 3 hours.
How the test will feelWhen the catheter is inserted, you may feel pressure. A special gel is used to numb the urethra.
Why the test is performedYour health care 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 may also have a urine culture after you have been treated for an infection, to make sure that all of the bacteria are gone.
Normal Values"Normal growth" is a normal result. This means that there is no infection.
It takes 24 to 48 hours to get results.
What abnormal results meanA "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 a bladder infection.
Other tests may help your health care 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.
What the risks areThere is a very rare risk of a hole (perforation) in the urethra or bladder if your doctor or nurse uses a catheter.
Special considerationsYou may have a false-negative urine culture if you've recently taken antibiotics.
ReferencesHooton TM, Bradley SF, Cardenas DD, et al. Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infection in adults: 2009 International Clinical Practice Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2010;50(5):625-663.
Ban KM, Easter JS. Selected urologic problems. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009: chap 97.
Dean AJ, Lee DC. Bedside laboratory and microbiologic procedures. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 68.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/05/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
In Gurgaon, cost for urine culture is Rs. 400-500.
A urine culture is a type of urine test that looks for the presence of germs or bacteria. The test is normally carried out when a urinary tract infection is suspected.
In a urine culture, the lab puts a sampe of urine in conditions likely to grow the typical germs that cause urinary tract infections. If they get some to grow, they identify the bacteria in the urine.
yes, example of urine culture and sensitivity.
Pathology and Laboratory / Microbiology CPT code for: culture, bacterial; quantitive colony count, urine.
Yes. A culture to detect bacteria in the urine does not check for chlamydia. The urine test for chlamydia is not a standard urinalysis or urine culture, but is a specific test to detect chlamydia's genetic material. Ask for the test specifically if you are concerned.
No growth in a urine culture means that there was no bacterial growth detected in the sample. This could indicate that there is no bacterial infection present in the urinary tract or that the sample was not collected properly. Further testing may be needed if symptoms persist.
which media or both use for blood culture
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A surgically-created opening in the abdomen for elimination of waste products (urine or stool).
Urine C/S stands for urine culture and sensitivity.It is used to identify the microorganism that causes the infection (culture) and to find a suitable antibiobic which is susceptible to kill the microorganism (sensitivity) Hope it would help you..
The gray top tube for urine culture typically contains a preservative, such as boric acid, to prevent the growth of bacteria in the urine sample during transportation and storage. This helps maintain the integrity of the sample until it can be processed in the laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing.