Bacteriaurcultorg2
This test identifies and analyzes the second type of bacteria found in your urine culture to help diagnose urinary tract infections.
{"A urine culture tests for bacteria in your urine that may be causing a urinary tract infection (UTI)","When multiple bacteria are found, each is identified and numbered for proper analysis","The second bacteria identified helps doctors understand complex infections and choose the right treatment","Results help determine if one or more antibiotics are needed to treat the infection","This test is part of a complete urine culture analysis ordered by your healthcare provider"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17970-5
- Short code
- UCULT2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Ur Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouth, leak-proof urine container with screw-cap lid; boric acid preservative tubes may be used for transport; BD Vacutainer gray-top or equivalent preservative tube acceptable
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87086
- SNOMED
- 165811005
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL for routine culture; minimum 1-3 mL acceptable for pediatric or catheterized specimens
- Stability
- Unpreserved urine: room temperature ≤2 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) ≤24 hours. Preserved urine with boric acid: room temperature ≤48 hours; refrigerated ≤72 hours. Specimens should be processed as soon as possible to ensure accurate bacterial identification.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A urine bacteria culture is a laboratory test that detects and identifies bacteria in urine. When multiple types of bacteria are found in the culture, each is assigned a number (such as 'Bacteria #1', 'Bacteria #2') based on the order they were isolated. This test specifically identifies the second bacterium found in your urine sample.
Why is it ordered?
This test is typically ordered when a urine culture reveals more than one type of bacteria, which can happen in complicated urinary tract infections, in patients with certain risk factors, or when initial treatment has failed. Identifying all bacteria present helps your doctor understand the full picture of your infection.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected (usually clean-catch midstream) and sent to a laboratory. The sample is placed in special growth media to allow bacteria to multiply. If bacteria grow, they are identified using various laboratory techniques, and each distinct type is assigned a number. The second bacterium identified undergoes the same detailed analysis as the first.
What do the results mean?
The results will show which type of bacteria was identified as the second most abundant or second isolated. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results along with your symptoms, other test results, and clinical findings to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Reference range
No growth of clinically significant bacteria is considered normal. For clean-catch midstream urine: <10,000 CFU/mL typically considered negative or contaminants; 10,000-100,000 CFU/mL equivocal (repeat recommended); >100,000 CFU/mL suggestive of significant bacteriuria. Identification of bacteria is reported as organism name with colony count.N/A
Patient should be provided with proper instructions for clean-catch midstream urine collection. The periurethral area should be cleaned with antiseptic wipes prior to collection. First morning void is preferred as bacteria have had time to multiply, increasing sensitivity of detection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does finding two bacteria mean I have two separate infections?
Do I need to do anything special to prepare for this test?
What happens after the bacteria are identified?
Is it concerning to have multiple bacteria in urine?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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.
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