Diagnostics·Diagnostics
Urine culture
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A urine culture is a test that looks for bacteria or other germs in your urine. It helps find out if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and which germs are causing it. The test also shows which antibiotics are likely to work against those germs.
Key facts
- A urine culture is often done when you have symptoms of a UTI, like burning when you pee or needing to pee often.
- The test takes 24 to 72 hours to get results because the bacteria need time to grow in a lab.
- It tells your doctor exactly which bacteria are present and which antibiotics can kill them.
Yes, urine cultures are one of the most common tests for diagnosing urinary tract infections. They are done millions of times each year around the world.
Anyone can need a urine culture, but it is especially common in women, older adults, people with catheters (a tube to drain urine), and people with diabetes.