Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Urine Culture and Sensitivity, Urine C and S, Bacterial Culture of Urine, Microbial Culture of Urine, Urine Culture with Susceptibility
Definition
A urine culture is a laboratory diagnostic test that involves growing and identifying bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms from a urine sample.1 It serves as the gold standard test for revealing the causative microorganism for a urinary tract infection (UTI).2 The test works by collecting a urine sample and placing it on a culture medium with nutrients that encourage microorganisms to grow.3 If present, bacteria or fungi will multiply and form visible colonies within 24-48 hours, allowing laboratory professionals to identify the specific pathogen.4
Urine cultures not only detect the presence of microorganisms but also quantify them through colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, which helps distinguish between contamination and true infection.5 Additionally, when pathogens are identified, susceptibility testing is typically performed to determine which antibiotics will effectively inhibit the growth of the microorganism, guiding appropriate treatment selection.6
Clinical Context
Urine culture is primarily used to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are among the leading causes of infections in the United States.1 By the age of 18 years or older, at least 10% of females will have been diagnosed with a UTI, and by the age of 24 years, 1 in 3 females will have been treated for a UTI.1 UTIs are also one of the most common nosocomial infections, accounting for 35% to 40% of all hospital-acquired infections.1
Healthcare providers typically order a urine culture when patients present with symptoms of a UTI, which may include a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or lower back pain.3 The test is often performed in conjunction with a urinalysis to provide a comprehensive assessment of urinary health.4
Urine cultures are also used to screen pregnant women for asymptomatic bacteriuria, a condition affecting approximately 2% to 10% of pregnant women in the U.S.4 This screening is important as untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria can lead to more serious kidney infections and increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.4
Following treatment for a UTI, a urine culture may be performed to confirm that the infection has been successfully cleared, particularly in cases of complicated UTIs or recurrent infections.5 This follow-up testing ensures that the microorganism causing the infection is completely eliminated.6
Specimen collection methods vary based on patient factors and clinical settings. The most common method is the mid-stream clean catch technique, which correlates reasonably well with more invasive collection methods like suprapubic aspiration and single catheter technique.1 For patients unable to self-collect, alternative methods include catheterization, urine bag collection (for infants and young children), or aspiration.3