Bacteriaurcultorg4
A urine culture test identifies specific bacteria causing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
{"This test finds which bacteria are in your urine","It helps doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Results usually take 2-3 days","A clean urine sample is needed for accurate results","Positive results confirm a urinary tract infection"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17972-1
- Short code
- UCULT4
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Ur Cult org #4
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine specimen container (e.g., sterile screw-cap plastic cup) or vacuum-fill urine culture transport tube (e.g., BD Vacutainer Plus C&S preservative tube)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87086; 87088 if quantitative with colony count; additional identification may use 87077 or 87045-87046; susceptibility testing 87186 or 87184
- SNOMED
- 117010004 | Bacterial culture of urine (procedure)
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-3 mL of urine; optimally 5-10 mL for midstream collection
- Stability
- Unpreserved urine should be processed within 2 hours of collection at room temperature. If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours. Specimens in boric acid or other preservative transport tubes are stable at room temperature for up to 48-72 hours per manufacturer instructions.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A urine culture is a laboratory test that detects and identifies bacteria in urine. When your doctor orders "Bacteria # 4 identified in urine by culture," it means the lab has found a fourth type of bacteria growing in your urine sample. This detailed identification helps determine the exact cause of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and guides appropriate treatment with the right antibiotic.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected using a clean-catch method to avoid contamination. The sample is then placed in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow. Once bacteria multiply, laboratories can identify the specific type through various testing methods. This process typically takes 2-3 days to get complete results.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as pain during urination, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or pelvic pain. It is especially important when infections keep coming back or do not respond to initial treatment, as identifying the specific bacteria helps select the most effective medication.
Reference range
No growth of clinically significant bacteria. Organisms identified are reported semi-quantitatively (e.g., rare, few, moderate, many) or by colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). For clean-catch midstream urine, ≥10,000 CFU/mL (≥10^4 CFU/mL) of a single uropathogen is generally considered clinically significant; ≥100,000 CFU/mL (≥10^5 CFU/mL) is the classic threshold for significant bacteriuria. Clinical significance depends on patient symptoms, collection method, and organism type.N/A
Provide a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. Patients should be instructed to clean the urethral area with antiseptic wipes, retract the foreskin or separate the labia, discard the first portion of urine, and collect the midstream portion into a sterile container. For catheterized patients, specimen should be collected aseptically from the catheter port or via straight catheterization.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does finding Bacteria #4 mean I have a serious infection?
Do I need to prepare for the urine culture test?
What happens if the culture is negative?
How long does it take to get results?
Will I need antibiotics after this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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