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: Bacteria 24-Hour Urine Culture

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

: A 24-hour urine culture is a laboratory test that looks for and identifies bacteria in urine collected over a full 24-hour period. It is used to detect a urinary tract infection or to check whether bacteria are present in a pooled urine sample.

Quick summary

[": This test checks a full day's urine collection for bacterial growth and identifies the type of bacteria present."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
13315-7
Short code
URBC24
Synonyms
Bacteria 24h Ur Cult
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine culture container (vacuum-fill with boric acid preservative tube preferred) or sterile specimen cup with secure screw-cap lid.
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
10
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
culture
CPT
87088
SNOMED
117021000
Specimen volume
Minimum 1-3 mL for culture; 10-50 mL preferred for adequate bacterial recovery and microscopic analysis.
Stability
Unpreserved urine: Room temperature ≤2 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C): ≤24 hours. Boric acid preservative tubes: Room temperature ≤48 hours; refrigerated: ≤72 hours. Do not freeze.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
24–48 hours
Order
routine

: What This Test Measures

: The test detects and identifies bacteria in a 24-hour urine collection by allowing any organisms present to grow in a laboratory culture. Identifying the bacteria can help your doctor understand whether an infection is present and, if so, which organism is responsible.

: How the Sample Is Collected

: You collect all of your urine over a 24-hour period into a special container provided by your healthcare team, following their instructions for storage and handling. The combined sample is then sent to the laboratory for culture.

: Why a 24-Hour Collection May Be Used

: A 24-hour collection pools urine produced throughout the day and night, which some clinicians use when a longer or more representative sample is needed. Your healthcare provider will explain why this longer collection method was chosen for you.

: What the Results Mean

: Results generally report whether bacteria grew and, if so, what type was identified. No growth usually suggests no bacterial infection was detected, while growth may indicate an infection. Your provider interprets results alongside your symptoms and other tests.

Reference range

No growth (sterile) or <10,000 CFU/mL of uropathogenic bacteria in a properly collected specimen. Mixed bacterial flora or contamination reported as such. Organism identification and colony count provided for clinically significant isolates.N/A

Specimen: urine

Collect clean-catch midstream urine specimen. Patient should cleanse genital area with antiseptic wipes prior to collection. Avoid contamination with skin or vaginal flora. For catheterized patients, collect from the catheter port using aseptic technique, not from the drainage bag.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

: 24-Hour Urine Culture

Frequently asked questions

: Does a 24-hour urine culture hurt?
: No. Collecting urine is painless; you simply collect your urine into the provided container over 24 hours as directed by your healthcare team.
: Why collect urine for 24 hours instead of a single sample?
: A 24-hour collection pools urine from an entire day, which some providers prefer when a longer or more representative sample is needed. Your provider will explain the reason for this method in your case.
: What should I do if I forget to collect a sample?
: Follow the instructions given by your healthcare team. If you miss a collection or make an error, tell your provider or laboratory, as they may ask you to repeat the collection to ensure accurate results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy