Urine Culture
Also known as: MC U
Use
The Urine Culture test is used for the quantitative culture to identify bacterial causes of urinary tract infections. It helps in diagnosing the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the urinary tract, which can lead to urinary tract infections if untreated.
Special Instructions
Specimen source is required for the test. Gram stain can be performed by request to further aid in the identification of significant isolates. Identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from the culture, and results will include colony count and identification of significant isolates.
Limitations
The test has specific specimen requirements. Urine from catheter bags, multiple or pooled specimens, and foley catheter tips are unacceptable. Delayed transport of unpreserved urine beyond two hours at room temperature or 24 hours refrigerated may affect test results. Frozen urine specimens are unacceptable.
New York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 630-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
sterile container or boric acid transport tube
Collection Instructions
Transfer urine to a sterile container or a boric acid transport tube (fill to minimum line).
Patient Preparation
Collect midstream urine or foley catheter urine.
Storage Instructions
Unpreserved: Refrigerated. Boric Acid Transport Tube: Room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Urine from catheter bag, multiple or pooled specimens, foley catheter tips, delayed transport of unpreserved urine, frozen specimens
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unpreserved: Ambient: 2 hours; Boric Acid Tube: Ambient: 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | Unpreserved and Boric Acid Tube: 24-48 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant