A urine bacterial culture is performed to isolate and identify pathogenic microorganisms that cause urinary tract infections while quantitative results of culture may be useful to distinguish contamination, colonization, and actual infection.
More information
Urinary tract infections involve a wide range of clinical entities that vary in their clinical appearance, degree of invasion, epidemiology, and requirements for antibiotic therapy. There are 4 main types of urinary tract infections: urethritis, cystitis, acute urethral syndrome, and pyelonephritis. Urinary tract infections can also be classified as non-complicated and complicated. The bacterium Escherichia coli is the major cause of non-complicated urinary tract infections occurring in the community (ie, outside of the hospital).
Risk factors predisposing to the development of complicated urinary tract infections include underlying systemic diseases (eg diabetes mellitus), kidney stones, anatomical or functional disorders of the urinary tract, and the presence of urinary catheters. Another classification of urinary tract infections is the upper urinary tract infections involving the kidneys, renal pelvis, and ureters, and lower urinary tract infections involving the bladder and urethra. The classic symptoms of upper urinary tract infections are fever (often with chills) and back pain. Frequent and painful urination, an urgency to urinate, and dysuria are more commonly associated with lower urinary tract infections.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
