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Bacteriaurcultorg6

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

A urine culture test that identifies specific bacteria in your urine to help diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Quick summary

{"This test grows and identifies bacteria from a urine sample","It helps doctors determine if you have a urinary tract infection","Results show which specific bacteria is present (Bacteria #6 in this case)","The test helps guide appropriate antibiotic treatment","A positive result means bacteria is growing in your urine"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
17974-7
Short code
UCULT6
Synonyms
Bacteria Ur Cult org #6
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine container (boric acid preservative tube preferred for transport); sterile specimen cup for clean-catch or catheterized collections
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
culture
CPT
87086
SNOMED
252310001
Specimen volume
10-50 mL for standard culture; minimum 1-3 mL accepted for pediatric or limited specimens
Stability
Unpreserved urine: room temperature up to 2 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 24 hours. With boric acid preservative: room temperature up to 48 hours; refrigerated up to 72 hours. Delayed processing may result in decreased or overgrowth of organisms.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Bacteria #6 Identified in Urine by Culture test is part of a urine culture panel that identifies specific types of bacteria in your urine. When your doctor orders a urine culture, the laboratory tests for multiple bacteria that commonly cause urinary tract infections. This particular result (Bacteria #6) indicates that a specific type of bacteria was found and identified in your urine sample during the culture process.

How is the test performed?

A clean-catch urine sample is collected and sent to a laboratory. The urine is placed on special growth media and incubated to allow bacteria to grow. After the bacteria multiply, laboratory technicians identify the specific type of bacteria present using various testing methods. The result 'Bacteria #6' refers to one of the bacteria types being tested for in the panel.

What do the results mean?

If Bacteria #6 is identified in your urine culture, it means this specific bacterium is present in your urinary tract. Your doctor will use this information, along with your symptoms and other test results, to determine if you need treatment. The identification of the specific bacteria helps your doctor choose the most effective antibiotic for treatment.

Reference range

No growth of clinically significant bacteria. Typically reported as 'No growth' or 'No clinically significant growth' for properly collected urine specimens. Identification of up to 6 bacterial isolates with colony counts reported in CFU/mL.N/A

Specimen: urine

Ideally, patients should be provided with a clean-catch midstream urine collection kit and instructed on proper technique. For females, the perineal area should be cleaned front to back with antiseptic wipes prior to collection. The first morning void is preferred for routine culture as it yields the highest bacterial counts.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive result always mean I need treatment?
Not always. Some people may have bacteria in their urine without symptoms (asymptomatic bacteriuria). Your doctor will consider your symptoms, the amount of bacteria present, and your overall health before recommending treatment. Treatment is typically needed when you have symptoms of a UTI along with a positive culture.
How long does it take to get results?
Urine culture results typically take 24-72 hours. This time is needed to allow bacteria to grow and be properly identified. If bacteria grow quickly, results may be available sooner.
What happens after Bacteria #6 is identified?
Once the specific bacteria is identified, your doctor may order additional tests called susceptibility or sensitivity testing. This determines which antibiotics will be most effective against the specific bacteria found in your urine.
Is this test painful?
No, the urine collection process is not painful. You may experience some discomfort during urination if you have a urinary tract infection, but the collection itself is typically painless.
  1. 1
    Urinary Tract Infection - DiagnosisSource
  2. 2
    Urine CultureSource

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