A urine culture is a lab test that checks for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample. It’s used to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults and children.
How it works
- A urine sample is added to a substance that encourages the growth of germs
- If no germs grow, the culture is negative
- If germs grow, the culture is positive
- A microscope or chemical tests can identify the type of germ
Preparation
- You may need to wash your hands and clean your genital area
- You may need to not urinate for at least an hour before the test
- You may need to drink a glass of water before the test
Results
- Results are usually ready in 1–3 days
- A negative result means no bacteria or other germs grew in the culture
- A positive result means organisms, usually bacteria, grew in the culture
Follow-up
- A positive culture may be followed by biochemical tests to identify the type of bacteria
- The results of these tests can help determine the best drugs to treat the infection