Urine Culture
A lab test that grows bacteria from urine to confirm a urinary infection and choose the right antibiotic.
Quick Summary
To confirm a UTI and find which antibiotics will work.
Type and number of bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity.
Clean midstream sample, ideally before starting antibiotics.
Overview
Culture is especially useful for repeated or complicated infections, in men, children and pregnancy.
Results show which antibiotics will work.
What It Measures
Bacterial growth
Type and amount.
Sensitivity
Effective antibiotics.
How It's Performed
- 01
Clean catch
Wash your hands and genital area.
- 02
Midstream sample
Pass a little urine into the toilet, then collect the middle part in the sterile container.
- 03
Hand in
Close the lid and return it promptly.
Interpreting Results & Next Steps
Discuss with Doctor
Mixed growth usually means contamination. Your doctor will explain what your result means and what happens next.
If values are High:
Significant growth confirms infection.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Bacteria Culture Test(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine