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Urine Culture (Bacterial Growth)

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

This test checks for the presence of bacteria in your urine, helping identify infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Quick summary

["A urine culture helps determine if bacteria are causing an infection and guides treatment choices."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14320-6
Short code
Deprecated Bacteria Ur Cult @1:100
Synonyms
Deprecated Bacteria Ur Cult @1:100
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
culture
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order a urine culture if you have symptoms like frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or fever. It’s also used to monitor chronic conditions like recurrent UTIs or kidney infections.

How the Test Works

A small sample of your urine is collected and placed on a special growth medium in a lab. Bacteria, if present, will grow into visible colonies over 24–48 hours. The lab then identifies the bacteria and may check for antibiotic resistance.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may urinate into a clean container at home or have a healthcare provider collect a sample in a clinic.

What to Expect After the Test

Results take 24–72 hours. You’ll receive them from your provider, who will explain the findings and next steps, such as starting antibiotics if bacteria are confirmed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Urine Culture

Frequently asked questions

A positive urine culture confirms a bacterial infection and helps tailor antibiotic treatment to the specific bacteria. It’s crucial for avoiding unnecessary antibiotics or choosing the right medication to treat your infection effectively.
This test is not used to measure bacterial levels or detect viruses or fungi in urine. It only identifies live bacteria that can grow in the lab.
If I have a UTI but the culture comes back negative, what could be happening?
Negative results can occur if the bacteria were present but not growing in the lab sample, if the sample wasn’t collected properly, or if the infection was caused by a different type of microorganism (e.g., a virus). Your provider may recommend retesting or other diagnostic methods.
Can I take antibiotics before getting my urine culture?
Yes, but it may affect the accuracy of the culture. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, your provider may recommend collecting the sample before starting treatment or waiting until after treatment to see if bacteria are still present.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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