Urine culture

When to request this test

• Exam indicated for any suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) (with the exception of acute cystitis, which only requires a urine dipstick test)
• No indication for post-treatment follow-up if clinical course is favorable. (The only exception is during pregnancy: a urine culture must be realized once a month following treatment of a UTI in a pregnant woman)
• If possibe before any antibiotic treatment

To perform if:

• Functional urinary symptoms suggestive of low UTI
• Fever and functional urinary symptoms
• If suspected failing of management of a simple UTI
• Before urological surgery to screen for and treat bacterial colonization
• Positive urine dipstick test in a pregnant woman

Malodorous or purulent urine, with no fever and no clinical changes, is not indication for urine culture; consider encouraging hydration.

Do not delay initiating antibiotics if there are signs of parenchymal infection (fever), or severity (septic shock, severe sepsis).

Interferences & limitations

• Bacterial contamination with surrounding flora (such as fecal flora, vaginal flora or skin flora): use a sterile container for urine and follow careful aseptic sampling procedure.
• Antibiotic treatment can inhibit bacterial growth and skew results: collect the sample before starting antibiotic treatment.