Urine Culture (Manual) Test

Urine Culture Manual Test Overview

A manual urine culture is a microbiological test performed to detect and identify bacteria or yeast responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you are facing certain symptoms connected to the urinary infection, the doctor may recommend undergoing the test. It plays a vital role in confirming the presence of a UTI, identifying the exact microorganism involved, and helping determine the most appropriate antibiotic treatment. Your healthcare provider will collect a urine sample and send it to the lab, where it will be cultured to check for the presence of any infectious germs.

During the urine culture manual test, the clinician would add substances to the urine sample to encourage the growth of any bacteria or yeast. If these organisms are present, they will multiply, signaling an infection.

Why is Urine Culture Manual Test Prescribed?

A urine culture is often used to diagnose infections affecting the lower urinary tract. The clinician would ask you to collect the urine in the morning after you wake up, as it provides the most concentrated sample. It is most ordered when symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) are present, such as:

• A persistent, strong urge to urinate

• Pain or a burning sensation while urinating

Additionally, a urine culture may be used to monitor recurrent or complicated UTIs, detect asymptomatic bacteria in pregnant women or before urological procedures. Non-diagnosis of the urinary tract infection could also lead to kidney infection and other health issues.

Components of the urine culture manual test

Urine culture results are usually evaluated along with a urinalysis, considering the method of sample collection and the presence of any patient symptoms. The results are generally categorized into three types:

Positive Result:

• Indicates the presence of bacterial or fungal growth consistent with an infection.

• The identified organism and the colony count of more than 100,000 determine the severity and type of infection.

• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is performed to guide the selection of the most effective treatment.

Negative Result:

Indicates no significant infection detected.

A negative result may also occur if antibiotics were taken before the test or if the sample was not collected properly. Besides, other causes like menopause-related changes, kidney stones or bladder issues can also cause infection.

Preparation and Perquisites

There is no special preparation needed for the test. However, it also depends on the type of culture test you are undergoing. In some cases, the clinician would ask not to urinate for one hour before the sample is collected and drink enough water. Ensure you use the sterile container that is well-cleaned and fill it half or full.