Urine Culture and Sensitivity
Bacterial infections of urine frequently cause symptoms that require the mother to seek treatment. It is common for pregnant women to have bacteria in their urine without symptoms.
The diagnosis of urine infection is made when a sample of urine has been cultured (kept in conditions where any bacteria present are encouraged to grow), and bacteria have been identified. The sensitivity to antibiotics of any bacteria present can be assessed. Your doctor will then prescribe an antibiotic that has been shown to kill the particular bacteria present in your urine. After the antibiotic treatment has been completed, a new urine specimen may be needed to confirm the bacteria are no longer present.
Limitations of Urine Culture
Improper cleaning of the area prior to collection of the urine specimen may result in a contaminated specimen. Harmful bacteria may be masked by an abundant presence of insignificant bacteria.
Related Tests: Urinalysis
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