Urine Culture and Sensitivity

Synonyms

Culture Urine Comprehensive, urine culture Test, Urine Culture and Sensitivity

Purpose

A urine culture and sensitivity test isolates and identifies bacteria or other pathogens in a urine sample. It is essential for diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and related illnesses. The test determines the bacteria causing a disease and its antibiotic sensitivity, guiding optimal therapy.

This test is especially helpful for recurring UTIs or when previous therapies fail. You can use it alongside urinalysis to confirm infection-related findings like the presence of white blood cells or bacteria. Additionally, a urine culture may be necessary along with a pregnancy test since pregnant women are more susceptible to urinary infections.

These tests help manage maternal and fetal health, as early detection and treatment of infections are crucial for averting problems in pregnant women.

Patient Preparation for Urine Culture and Sensitivity

No special preparations are required.

Samples

Collect a minimum volume of 4ml urine in a Vacutainer grey-top urine culture transport tube with a preservative. Collect the clean catch midstream, preferably using first-morning specimens, and preserve the specimens at room temperature.

Reference Range

10, 000 – 100,000 colonies/ml 

Results Turnaround

3 – 5 days after receipt of samples.

Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators

Urine culture and sensitivity test in Kenya identifies the presence of bacteria in urine, aiding in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and related disorders. Bacterial growth exceeding 100,000 colonies per millilitre usually signals a severe illness.

The significant increase indicates the presence of UTIs, which doctors can link to underlying illnesses like diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune diseases. Elevated glucose levels, for example, in diabetic patients might create an ideal environment for bacterial development, raising the risk of infection.

Similarly, people with kidney disease may have impaired urine function, making them more prone to infection. To provide a complete picture of the underlying health problems, healthcare providers must read urine culture results alongside clinical symptoms and patient history.

To learn more about urine culture and its diagnostic value, see this resource.