A Urine Culture is a laboratory test that involves growing bacteria or other microorganisms from a urine sample to identify the specific pathogen causing a urinary tract infection (UTI). Unlike urinalysis, which only detects the presence of abnormal cells or substances, the urine culture identifies the exact type of bacteria and tests its sensitivity to various antibiotics.
This test is used to diagnose bacterial urinary tract infections, identify the causative organism, guide appropriate antibiotic therapy through sensitivity testing, and monitor treatment response. It is typically ordered when a urinalysis shows signs of infection (white blood cells, nitrites, or bacteria) or when a patient presents with symptoms of a UTI such as burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy urine, or lower abdominal pain. It is also routinely performed during pregnancy to detect asymptomatic bacteriuria.
