What should you know about a urine routine and culture test?

Routine analysis can identify blood, protein, white cells, nitrite and other chemical or visual changes. Culture places part of the specimen in conditions where bacteria or other organisms may grow. The report may say that no growth was detected, or may identify an organism and describe which medicines are likely to work. A negative culture does not explain every urinary symptom, and prior antibiotics can affect growth. Contamination is possible when skin bacteria enter the cup.

Wash your hands, use the sterile cup provided, and follow the clinic’s instructions. Collect a midstream sample if requested and deliver it within the advised time. Tell the clinician if you have already taken antibiotics, because this may alter the culture. Do not start, stop or change an antibiotic based only on a home interpretation. Read more about a [Urine Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/urine-test/) and [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/).

Seek prompt assessment for fever, chills, flank pain, repeated vomiting, marked weakness, confusion or difficulty passing urine. Urinary symptoms with back or side pain can signal infection involving the kidneys. A [Kidney Infection](/conditions/kidney-infection/) needs timely clinical attention, especially during pregnancy or when kidney function is already reduced.

Ask when the culture result will be ready, whether the sample might be contaminated, and whether treatment depends on the organism and susceptibility report. Ask what to do if symptoms continue despite a result showing no growth.