Urine Culture

or is "clean. " �

If the results are not normal or positive, you may have an infection caused by a bacteria or yeast. If the culture is positive, your infection will need to be treated with drugs from your doctor.

Your doctor may order another test to check the diagnosis.

The doctor will talk with you about treatment.

If you are already getting treatment, your doctor will tell you if you need to continue taking drugs to treat the problem.

What happens before the procedure?

Tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking.
Hold your urine for at least 1 hour before the test.
Your doctor may tell you to drink a glass of water 15 to 20 minutes before the exam.
If you have your menstrual period, your doctor may reschedule the urine culture after your period is over.

What happens during the procedure?

Your doctor will give you a clean plastic cup. You will use this to catch your urine.
Wipe off your genital area with a clean cloth before urinating. Some cloths may come with the cup that your doctor gives you. Women should wipe from front to back with the cloths.
Let your urine pass a little. Then, catch some urine from midstream using the plastic cup. Do not let the cup touch your body while you are catching the urine. Make sure your cup is at least 1/3 full of urine.
Give the urine to your doctor.
If you cannot pass urine on your own, the doctor may use a flexible rubber tube to get the urine. Your doctor will clean your genital area with an antiseptic. Your doctor will put the tube into your urethra. You may feel some discomfort when this is done. A plastic cup will be used to catch some urine. The tube will be taken out when enough urine is taken.
Your urine is sent to the lab for testing.
The urine collection will take 5 minutes. The results may come out after 1 to 3 days.

What happens after the procedure?

Your doctor will tell you when you can get your test results.
You may go home after the procedure.

What care is needed at home?

You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. � �

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your urine. Together you can make a plan for more care. � �

What problems could happen?

The test is generally safe. If done using a catheter: � �

Infection
Pain

Where can I learn more?

American Association for Clinical Chemistry � �
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/urine-culture/tab/glance � �
KidsHealth � �
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_urine.html � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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