Mycoplasma pneumoniae **Urine Culture**
This test checks for the presence of *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, a bacteria that can cause respiratory infections and sometimes urinary tract symptoms. It involves growing the bacteria from a urine sample to confirm an infection.
["A urine culture helps diagnose infections caused by *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* and guides treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14487-3
- Short code
- Mycoplas+Ureoplas Urth Cult
- Synonyms
- Mycoplas+Ureoplas Urth Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, cough, or urinary issues that suggest a bacterial infection. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing infections in people who test negative for other common causes of similar symptoms.
What Does the Test Involve?
A urine sample is collected and sent to a lab. The lab then grows the bacteria in a controlled environment to see if *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* is present. This process may take several days to weeks.
How Is the Test Performed?
The test is typically done by taking a midstream urine sample (a clean-catch urine sample) or a catheterized sample, depending on your medical history and symptoms. The sample is then processed and cultured in a sterile environment.
What Are Possible Results?
A positive result means *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* was found in your urine sample. A negative result means the bacteria was not detected, but other causes of your symptoms may still need to be investigated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* is a bacteria that can cause respiratory infections (like pneumonia or bronchitis) and rarely, urinary tract infections. Urine culture helps confirm the diagnosis, especially in cases where symptoms persist despite other tests.
Short name
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Culture (Urine)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What are common symptoms of *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infection?
Can I take antibiotics before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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