Do you also experience burning when urinating , frequent urination , or pain in the lower abdomen? Perhaps your doctor has told you to do a ' Urine Culture '. Many people get a little confused when they hear this name, asking, "What does this culture mean?" But it is actually a very simple and very important test. Today, we will talk about this clearly and in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is a urine culture?
Simply put, this is a test to see if there are any germs , such as bacteria , in your urine that could be causing an infection, and if so, what type. The word 'culture' means 'growing'. What is done here is to grow the germs that may be in the urine sample in a laboratory, that is, 'culturing' them, and identify them.
This test is often done when there is a suspicion of a urinary tract infection, orUTI (Urinary Tract Infection ) for short. Our urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder , and the tubes that carry urine (ureters and urethra). An infection usually starts in the bladder or urethra, but if left untreated, it can spread anywhere in this system.
| Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) | |
|---|---|
| Burning or pain when urinating | This is the first characteristic that comes to mind for many people. |
| Frequent need to urinate | But when you urinate , only a very small amount comes out. |
| Feeling of pain or pressure in the lower abdomen | You may feel a strange heaviness or cramping in the lower abdomen. |
| Change in urine | Things like a change in urine color (darkening) and a strong odor. |
| Fever and chills | If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately, as the infection may have spread to the kidneys. |
How exactly do you give the sample?
This is where many people make mistakes. In order for the test result to be 100% accurate, it is very important that the urine sample you provide is 'clean'. If you don't, the normal germs on your skin can also be added to the sample, causing the test result to be incorrect. We call this the "midstream clean-catch" method. Okay, so let's see how to do this exactly.
- Step 1: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Step 2: Clean the area around the urethra thoroughly with the cleaning pad provided or clean water.
- If you are a woman: Wipe from front to back , using both sides of the vaginal lips. This is very important, because wiping from back to front can allow bacteria from the anus to enter the urinary tract.
- If you are a man: Wipe the tip of the penis.
- Step 3: Now is the most important part. First, void some urine into the toilet. Then, stop urinating for a moment and collect some urine in the sterile cup provided. Be careful not to touch the cup to your skin . Then void the remaining urine back into the toilet.
- Step 4: Close the cup tightly and wash your hands thoroughly again.
For some people, such as a patient who is in the hospital, it may be difficult to provide a sample in this way. In such cases, a thin tube ( catheter ) is inserted into the urethra and into the bladder with the help of healthcare staff.
What happens in the laboratory?
When your sample arrives at the lab, a few drops are taken and placed in a petri dish containing a special nutrient medium designed to grow bacteria. The dish is then left at body temperature for one or two days.
Imagine that there are germs in your urine that cause an infection. Then those germs multiply on that plate and form large 'bacterial colonies' that we can see.
The lab technician looks at these germs through a microscope and identifies what type of germ it is based on things like their shape and color.
- If the result is negative: That means no harmful germs have grown, and you do not have an infection.
- If the result is positive: It means that harmful bacteria have grown. You have an infection. Most urinary tract infections are caused by a bacteria called E. coli . This is a bacteria that normally lives in our intestines.
If the report is positive, the lab will do another test. That is, to find out which antibiotic is most suitable to kill this germ, that is , which antibiotic is sensitive to it . This will allow you to give the best medicine that is exactly right for your illness.
How long does it take for the results to come in? What do you do after that?
You will usually get your results within 2-3 days. The doctor will call you and explain the report.
If you have an infection, you will be prescribed antibiotics. The most important thing here is to take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed by the doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking the medication just because the pain subsides in two or three days. If you do, the infection may not be completely cured and may come back, becoming resistant to more powerful medications.
Urinary tract infections can recur in some people. Especially,
- For sexually active young women.
- For women after menopause.
- For older men with an enlarged prostate.
Remember, even a simple urinary tract infection, if left untreated, can spread to the kidneys and cause serious damage. Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor if you have symptoms.
Take-Home Message
- A urine culture is a simple, painless test that checks for germs in urine.
- To get accurate results, it is very important to use the 'midstream clean-catch' method, meaning that you first release a little and then give the sample cleanly from the middle.
- If the report is 'positive', it means there is an infection. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.
- If prescribed medication, be sure to take it for the full prescribed period. Do not stop taking the medication even if your symptoms improve.
- If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, don't ignore them and see your doctor immediately.
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