Urine culture - catheterized specimen

• Alternative Names

  Culture - urine - catheterized specimen; Urine culture - catheterization; Catheterized urine specimen culture

• How the test is performed

  A nurse or a trained technician may perform the test. First, the area around the opening of the urethra is thoroughly washed with a germ-killing (antiseptic) solution. A well-lubricated thin rubber tube called a catheter is gently inserted and advanced until it enters the bladder. The urine drains into a sterile container, and the catheter is removed.

  Rarely, the health care provider may choose to collect a urine sample by inserting a needle directly into the bladder and draining the urine. However, this is usually only done in infants or to immediately screen for bacterial infection.

  The urine is taken to a laboratory to determine which, if any, organisms are present in the urine. Other tests may be done to determine how the organism will respond to medications.

• How to prepare for the test

  Do not urinate for at least 1 hour before the test. If you don't have the urge to urinate, you may be instructed to drink a glass of water 15-20 minutes before the test. Otherwise, there is no preparation for the test.

• How the test will feel

  There is some discomfort. As the catheter is inserted, you may feel pressure. If you have a urinary tract infection, there may be a painful sensation when the catheter is inserted, due to inflammation of the urethra.

• Why the test is performed

  The test is performed:

  • To obtain a sterile urine specimen in a person who cannot urinate on their own
  • When an infection is suspected in the urinary tract
  • When urinary retention is suspected

  Tests for organisms that cause infection are performed after the urine is collected. This can also help monitor ongoing infections.

• Normal Values

  Normal values depend on the test being performed. Normal results are reported as "no growth" and indicate that there is no infection.

• What abnormal results mean

  A "positive" test indicates organisms that cause urinary tract infection were detected.

• What the risks are

  There is a slight risk of perforation (hole) in the urethra or bladder from the catheter and a risk of infection.

• Special considerations

  Rarely, a suprapubic aspirate may be performed if a sample cannot be obtained by other methods. In this method, a needle is inserted through the skin of the lower abdomen into the bladder to withdraw urine.

Review Date: 1/10/2010

Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine.