Bacteriaurcultorg5
A urine culture test identifies specific bacteria in your urine to help diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs).
{"This test grows and identifies bacteria from a urine sample to diagnose infection","A positive result means bacteria are present and may be causing a UTI","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","The test typically takes 24-48 hours to complete","A 'no growth' result means no infection was detected"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17973-9
- Short code
- UCULTID5
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Ur Cult org #5
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine culture container (boric acid preservative tube preferred for transport) or sterile screw-capped container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87088
- SNOMED
- 117076001
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL for routine culture; minimum 1-2 mL acceptable
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours. Room temperature: process within 2 hours of collection. Specimens in boric acid preservative tubes stable up to 48 hours at room temperature. Frozen specimens are unacceptable for culture.
- 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 your urine. When your doctor orders 'Bacteria # 5 identified in urine by culture,' it means the lab has found a specific type of bacteria (the 5th most common urinary pathogen) growing in your urine sample. This test is the gold standard for diagnosing urinary tract infections.
How is the test performed?
You will provide a clean-catch urine sample. The urine is then placed in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow. If bacteria grow, the lab identifies the specific type through additional testing. This process usually takes 1-3 days.
What do the results mean?
A positive urine culture means bacteria were found in your urine. This typically indicates a urinary tract infection. The identified bacteria will guide your doctor in prescribing the most effective antibiotic. A negative result ('no growth') means no significant bacteria were found, which suggests your urinary symptoms may have a different cause.
Reference range
No growth of urinary pathogens. Organism identification reported qualitatively as a positive identification when isolated from urine culture.N/A
Patient should be instructed on proper clean-catch midstream urine collection technique. For catheterized patients, specimen should be collected from the catheter port using aseptic technique. First-morning void is preferred for routine cultures. Perineal/genital cleansing with antiseptic wipes prior to collection is recommended to reduce contamination.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result always mean I have an infection?
How should I collect a clean-catch urine sample?
Will I need antibiotics if bacteria are found?
How long does it take to get results?
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