Skip to content

Escherichia coli Antigen (Urinalysis) - Quantitative

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

This test checks for the presence of *Escherichia coli* bacteria in your urine, which can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Quick summary

["UTIs are common but often treatable; this test helps confirm infection by detecting bacteria in your urine."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
53946-0
Short code
E coli SXT Spec
Synonyms
E coli SXT Spec
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Matters

UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections, often caused by *E. coli*. This test helps doctors diagnose infections in your urinary system, bladder, or kidneys by detecting live bacteria in your urine sample.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to provide a midstream urine sample (clean-catch) to ensure accuracy. Avoid using urinary antiseptics or strong perfumed products in your urine for 24 hours before testing.

What the Results Mean

Positive results (detecting *E. coli*) strongly suggest a UTI. However, other bacteria or conditions could also be present, so your doctor may order additional tests for full evaluation.

Common Causes of Positive Results

A positive result is most commonly due to a UTI, but it can also occur from sexual activity, urinary catheter use, or recent bladder irritation. Other conditions like kidney stones or vaginal infections may sometimes yield false positives.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

E. coli in Urine

Frequently asked questions

Will I need to take antibiotics if this test is positive?
Possibly. If *E. coli* is confirmed, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. The exact treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history, and local antibiotic resistance patterns.
Can I drink alcohol or caffeine before this test?
Yes, but avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as they may irritate your bladder and temporarily increase UTI risk. Stick to water to stay hydrated.
What if my urine test is negative but I still have UTI symptoms?
Symptoms like burning pain, frequent urination, or cloudy urine don’t always mean *E. coli* is present. Your doctor may recommend retesting, a urine culture, or other imaging tests to identify the cause of your symptoms.
  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