Urine Culture
Results
A urine culture is a test to detect and identify organisms (usually bacteria) that may be causing a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urine culture results are usually ready in 1 to 3 days. Some organisms take longer to grow in the culture; for this reason, results may not be available for several days.
Urine culture Normal: No bacteria or other organisms (such as fungi) grow in the culture. The culture result is negative.
Abnormal: Organisms (usually bacteria) grow in the culture. The culture result is positive.
A count of 100,000 or more bacteria per milliliter (mL) of urine may be caused by an infection. A count ranging from 100 to 100,000 could be either caused by infection or by contamination of the sample (you may need a repeat urine culture). If the count is 100 or less, infection is unlikely; however, a count of 100 or less may also be seen if you are already taking antibiotics.
If test results are positive, sensitivity testing may be done to help make decisions about treatment.
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| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: June 20, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
 | Results |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |