How to Interpret the Results of a Midstream Specimen of Urine Culture Test

Abstract

Culture is performed in patients presenting with symptoms of urinary tract infection in order to confirm diagnosis, identify the infecting organism(s), and determine antibiotic sensitivities.

There are two ways in which urine is cultured: split agar, which is the most commonly employed method, and dipslide, which is a cheaper and simpler alternative to agar plating but has reduced sensitivity. It is dipped in urine, with the excess urine allowed to drain off before being placed in its plastic container, and is a test that can be performed at home.

Interpretation of culture requires an understanding of the common uropathogens, of proper collection technique, and of causes of both false-positive and false-negative results.

This chapter aims to provide an outline for the management of patients based on culture results.