Introduction
A urine culture test helps in detecting bacteria in your urine. This test assists in identifying the bacteria and fungus that cause Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Through the urethra, bacteria enter the urinary system and cause UTIs. These bacteria can grow quickly and cause an infection in the environment of your urinary system. In India, urine tests are between Rs 400 and Rs 800.
The most common symptoms of a UTI include pain when peeing, fever, and a frequent urge to urinate. This test looks for bacteria in your urine that may be the source of a urinary tract infection. The kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra are all urinary system parts.
The results of a urine culture help doctors identify the cause of your infection and select the effective treatment. E. coli bacteria are responsible for around 90% of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). TB, yeast, and other germs can also cause a urinary tract infection.
Why is a urine culture test necessary?
If you frequently experience UTIs that are challenging to cure, you might need a urine culture. Usually, a urine culture test is only necessary for symptomatic individuals. UTIs can produce symptoms like high fever, trembling, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
A urine culture test is advised if there is any indication of a complex illness. A urine culture test is necessary when the symptoms do not improve with the first course of treatment. Both males and females are sensitive to UTIs. However, women are more likely than males to have UTIs.
In general, UTI is not concerning. But if you have a UTI, consult a doctor immediately. If UTI is left untreated, chances are that it can worsen and lead to kidney infections.
What are the results of a urine culture test?
E-coli bacteria, found in your intestines, are the most typical cause of UTIs. The culture may occasionally contain more than one type of bacterium or only a small number of them. The outcome can be interpreted as follows:
Positive Test
The presence of bacteria or yeast in the culture implies an abnormal outcome. It may indicate that you have a bladder or urethral infection.
Negative Test
It means there was no evidence of bacterial development or illness. It denotes a typical development or a typical outcome. In such circumstances, your doctor could advise additional diagnostic tests. KFT (Kidney Function Test) and routine urine tests are popular.
What are the benefits of a urine culture test?
The benefits of urine culture tests are given below. It helps in:
● Detecting any health condition.
● Early identification of a severe health condition.
● Receiving early treatment and cure for a bacteria or yeast causing a urinary tract infection (UTI)
● Consistently monitor pre-existing medical issues to reduce the chance of complications.
● Detecting germs and bacteria in the urinary tract, kidneys, and bladder.
● Monitoring bleeding in the urinary system, kidney, or liver disease.
● Detecting UTIs during pregnancy that can cause premature labor or poor labor outcomes.
What is the cost of a urine culture test in India?
Urine culture test cost differ from one city to another. Prices for each city are given in the table below:
Cities and Prices
- Delhi Rs. 300 – Rs.640
- Chandigarh Rs. 315 – Rs.420
- Mumbai Rs. 420 – Rs.750
- Gurgaon Rs.270 – Rs. 893
- Chennai Rs.270 – Rs. 750
- Kolkata Rs.260 – Rs. 550
- Hyderabad Rs.450 – Rs. 970
What are the risks associated with a urine culture test?
No dangers are involved in setting up or carrying out a urine collection. Unless you feel discomfort when peeing due to a UTI, taking a urine sample for a urine culture is comfortable.
A patient asked to provide a urine sample taken with a catheter may experience pressure and discomfort. It can happen because of the little tube inserted through the urethra. Grease tubes lessen discomfort and make the process more comfortable. A catheter is a small, flexible tube. The catheter discharges urine into a sterile collection bag. To access your bladder, your healthcare professional inserts a catheter through your urethra. A catheter can rarely cause a hole in the urethra or bladder. While doing the surgery, your doctor will go over pain control measures with you.
The risk increases in older women, postmenopausal women, and those with low estrogen levels. An enlarged prostate in older men puts them in greater danger.
Conclusion
Usually, a urine culture test report is ready in two to three days. The technician then gives the final results after he/she checks it for bacterial growth.
A sample may occasionally be retained for seven days to check for bacterial growth. Results in these situations are reported after seven days. However, you may receive preliminary results after 48 hours.
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