Culture And Sensitivity Urine

The urine culture and sensitivity test is also known as urine culture C and S test and is an amalgamation of two tests. Apollo 24|7’s urine culture test helps to detect and identify bacteria and yeast in urine that may cause urinary tract infections (UTI). The urine sensitivity test on the other hand will help determine the appropriate antibiotic that can be effective on the bacteria or fungi found in the urine culture test. In normalcy, the urine is quite sterile, ‘i.e. germ-free’, but the growth of infectious germs on a urine culture can suggest a UTI.

Many people, especially women suffer from UTIs and a urine culture and sensitivity test is the fastest and the best way to find a solution and treat the condition. Burning sensation while peeing, cloudy urine, smelly urine, intense urge to pee, pain in lower abdomen and experiencing chills and fever are some of the symptoms of a UTI. 

Why should you get a urine culture and sensitivity test done? 

• To diagnose urinary tract infections if one is having painful urination
• To identify microorganisms causing urinary tract infections
• To identify if there is any antibiotic resistance 
• To identify the right antibiotics to eliminate the UTI causing bacteria
   

Medically reviewed by Dr Shakti, General Physician/Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection?

The signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection include strong, frequent urge to urinate, even after already urinated; pain or burning sensation during urination, cloudy, strong-smelling urine, and lower back pain.

Can a urine culture test detect sexually transmitted diseases?

Yes, a urine culture test can detect some sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia. However, this test is not the choice for sexually transmitted diseases.

What is the right method to collect a urine sample?

The right method to collect a urine sample is to collect midstream urine. Discard the first few drops of urine as it might contain the microorganisms present on the surface of the genitals. It is advised to clean the genitals and surrounding area before the collection of a urine sample.

Why it is advised to collect midstream urine for the collection of a urine sample?

The urine culture might contain the growth of different types of bacteria if the initial stream of urine is collected for a urine sample as the bacteria present inside and outside the urinary tract are different. It is advised to clean the genital area and the skin around it before giving the sample. Discard the few drops of urine and collect midstream urine for accurate results.

What are the types of urinary tract infection?

The types of urinary tract infection depend upon the part of the urinary tract which is infected. For example, if kidneys are infected, it is known as acute pyelonephritis. If bladders are infected, it is known as cystitis and if the urethra is infected, it is known as urethritis.

What are the risk factors for urinary tract infection?

The risk factors for urinary tract infection include shorter urethra in females, sexual activity, use of diaphragms for birth control, menopause, abnormalities in the urinary tract, blockages in the urinary tract, suppressed immune system, use of a urinary catheter, examination of urinary tract area, and surgery of urinary tract.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Can urinary tract infections indicate kidney infection?

Yes. A urinary tract infection can detect severe infections which have the potential to  spread upwards to the kidneys (ascending infection). If infection spreads to the kidneys, (a condition called Pyelonephritis), it becomes difficult to treat, and the duration of treatment also increases. So, timely testing and treatment of UTIs is extremely important.

Can a urine sensitivity test detect STDs?

No. A urine sensitivity test is targeted to finding out the bacteria responsible for UTI. Bacterias and viruses causing STDs are difficult to grow in culture, but can be detected in a different test called the Urine PCR test.