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Bacteriaurcultorg8

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

A urine culture test identifies specific bacteria causing a urinary tract infection (UTI) to help doctors choose the right treatment.

Quick summary

{"This test finds which bacteria are in your urine and causing infection","Results help doctors prescribe the correct antibiotic","A clean urine sample is needed for accurate results","Results usually take 2-3 days","Common symptoms include pain during urination and frequent urge to urinate"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
44849-8
Short code
UCULT8
Synonyms
Bacteria Ur Cult org #8
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container with preservative (boric acid) or without preservative if delivered to lab within 2 hours
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
culture
CPT
87086
SNOMED
117975004
Specimen volume
10-50 mL of urine; minimum 1 mL for culture
Stability
Room temperature: 2 hours (unpreserved); Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; with boric acid preservative: up to 48 hours at room temperature
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 or fungi in urine. When you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as pain, burning, or frequent urination, your doctor may order this test to find out exactly which microorganism is causing the infection. This helps ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

How is the test done?

You will be asked to provide a clean-catch urine sample. This involves cleaning the genital area, beginning to urinate into the toilet, then collecting a small amount of urine in a sterile container. The sample is sent to a lab where it is placed in special growth conditions to allow bacteria to multiply and be identified. This process typically takes 2-3 days to get complete results.

What do the results mean?

A positive result means bacteria were found growing in your urine culture. The lab will identify the specific type of bacteria (such as E. coli, Klebsiella, or others) and may perform additional tests to see which antibiotics will work best against them. A negative result means no significant bacteria were found, which could mean your symptoms are caused by something else or that you need further testing.

What happens after the test?

Once the bacteria are identified, your doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment, usually antibiotics. It is important to take all prescribed medication as directed, even if you start feeling better. Drink plenty of water and follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you to help clear the infection.

Reference range

No growth of clinically significant bacteria; results reported as organism identified with colony count (CFU/mL). Significant bacteriuria typically defined as ≥10^5 CFU/mL for clean-catch, ≥10^3 CFU/mL for catheterized, ≥10^2 CFU/mL for suprapubic aspirateN/A

Specimen: urine

Collect midstream clean-catch urine after cleansing urethral meatus. Alternatively, catheterized or suprapubic aspiration samples may be collected. Patient should be instructed on proper hygiene technique prior to specimen collection. Ideally specimen should be collected before initiation of antimicrobial therapy

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive urine culture always mean I need treatment?
Not always. Some people have bacteria in their urine without any symptoms (asymptomatic bacteriuria). In these cases, treatment may not be needed unless you are pregnant, about to have urinary surgery, or have certain other risk factors. Your doctor will decide if treatment is necessary based on your specific situation.
Why does it take so long to get results?
The test requires time for bacteria to grow in the laboratory. Most bacteria need 24-48 hours to grow enough to be identified. Rushing the process could lead to incorrect results. The wait ensures accuracy so you get the right treatment.
Can I do the test while on antibiotics?
It is best to collect the urine sample before starting antibiotics if possible. Antibiotics in your system could kill the bacteria in the sample, leading to a false negative result. Always follow your doctor's instructions about when to collect the sample.
What if the test shows no bacteria but I still have symptoms?
Your symptoms could be caused by other conditions such as a viral infection, yeast infection, interstitial cystitis, or kidney stones. Your doctor may recommend additional tests to find the cause of your symptoms.
  1. 1
    Urine Culture: Understanding the TestSource
  2. 2
    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - DiagnosisSource
  3. 3
    Urine CultureSource

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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