A urine culture test is performed on adults and children to detect the presence of bacteria or microorganisms in their urine samples, causing urinary tract infection or UTI. The term ‘culture’ in medical parlance is used to define the process of growing microorganisms in laboratory settings by adding growth-promoting substances to the urine sample. If microorganisms multiply under such conditions, it will indicate UTI. The test also helps the healthcare provider to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection so that they can plan treatment in accordance.

The normal range of urine culture lies anywhere between 10,000 to 1,00,000 colonies of bacteria per milliliter. A reading of more than 1,00,000 colonies/ml would indicate the presence of urinary tract infection and would require treatment.

Yes, urine culture can detect kidney infection but the doctor can also order other lab tests for a conclusive diagnosis.

Symptoms of positive urine culture are high-grade fever, painful urination, increased urgency/frequency to urinate, urinary incontinence, cloudy urine, smelly urine, mental confusion, etc.

A negative urine culture is a normal report which shows that you do not have a urinary tract infection. The urine sample did not show the presence of any harmful microorganisms during lab testing.

A urine culture will show the presence (or absence) of bacteria or yeast causing urine infections in children and adults. The common route for infections is via the urethra and the urinary bladder, causing inflammation in the areas with other concomitant symptoms. The infection subsequently spreads to the kidneys if a diagnosis is not done and corrective action is not taken in time.

Urinalysis is a routine urine test to detect the presence of microbes in the urine sample of the patient. It includes checking the appearance and content of the urine and can help to determine the presence of an infection. However, a urine culture is a test performed in lab settings to examine the type of bacteria causing the infection, which urinalysis alone cannot determine. Identification of the type of bacteria in a urine culture test further helps the healthcare provider to select the best treatment for UTIs. Urine cultures are not part of regular urine tests.

A normal urine culture range lies between 10,000 and 1,00,000 colonies of bacteria per milliliter of urine. Anything over and above 1,00,000 would indicate the presence of infection.

The lab technician will add bacterial growth-promoting substances to the urine sample to check for multiplication in the growth of bacteria. The process is examined under a microscope. If there is a growth of bacteria, the urine culture report will show positive, and at the same time, it will show if the bacteria will respond to antibiotic therapy. Uncomplicated UTIs require short oral treatments, but the severe ones will require hospitalization. A negative urine culture will show no growth in bacteria under simulated conditions.