Why it is performed
- Confirm urinary infection when symptoms or context require it.
- Identify the organism.
- Guide antibiotic choice with susceptibility testing when indicated.
- Distinguish infection from contamination or colonisation, especially in pregnancy or catheter use.
How it is performed
The sample is inoculated onto culture media and incubated. Significant growth is identified and susceptibility tested when appropriate.
Preparation
- Collect before antibiotics whenever clinically safe.
- Clean the area, separate folds and collect midstream urine.
- Deliver within two hours or refrigerate as instructed.
- Report pregnancy, symptoms, recent antibiotics, catheter and collection time.
How Askabide processes it
Combined pathway
Askabide receives, identifies and conditions the sample at each centre. Microbiological culture may be performed in the designated unit or a partner laboratory with full traceability to reporting.
Part is performed at Askabide and another phase or confirmation is processed externally.
Results and indicative intervals
Intervals vary by method, analyser, reagent, units, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase and reference population. The valid interval is the one printed on the laboratory report.
| Parameter or result | Indicative reference | How it is interpreted |
|---|---|---|
| No growth | No significant organism isolated | Does not exclude infection after antibiotics, low count or fastidious organisms. |
| Significant growth | Interpreted by organism, count, specimen and symptoms | There is no single threshold valid for every situation. |
| Mixed flora / contamination | May require a new specimen | Common when collection is not clean. |
| Susceptibility report | Susceptible / susceptible with increased exposure or intermediate / resistant | Final choice depends on site, allergies, pregnancy, kidney function and guidelines. |
Important limitations
- A positive culture without symptoms does not always require treatment except in specific settings such as pregnancy or urological procedures.
- Previous antibiotics may make it negative.
- Contamination may lead to unnecessary treatment.
- High fever, loin pain, pregnancy or systemic illness need prompt assessment.