What it is: A urine bacteria check, seen on microscopic urinalysis or confirmed by urine culture, looks for bacteria in a urine sample as a sign of possible infection.
Why it's ordered: Ordered when symptoms suggest a urinary tract infection (painful or frequent urination, urgency, cloudy or foul-smelling urine) or as part of routine prenatal or pre-surgical screening.
What it detects: Bacteria in urine can indicate infection of the bladder, urethra, or kidneys; a urine culture identifies the specific bacteria and guides antibiotic selection, since bacteria are also frequently seen with sample contamination (especially with high squamous epithelial cells).
Collection & prep: A clean-catch, midstream urine sample is preferred to reduce contamination; the sample should be tested promptly, since bacteria can multiply in urine left standing at room temperature.
Results:
Positive with symptoms – supports a urinary tract infection diagnosis, especially alongside positive nitrites and white blood cells
Positive without symptoms – may reflect contamination or asymptomatic bacteriuria, which isn't always treated
Negative – no bacteria seen
Possible complications of an untreated UTI: An infection that spreads from the bladder to the kidneys can become more serious; when infection is suspected, a urine culture is typically ordered to confirm the organism and choose the right antibiotic.
Statements made in the Clinical Manual have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
