Urine Culture & Sensitivity Test

A Urine Culture & Sensitivity test grows any bacteria present in a urine sample in a laboratory setting over 24 to 48 hours, then identifies exactly which type of bacteria is causing an infection and which antibiotics will effectively treat it.

This is fundamentally different from a basic urinalysis, which can only suggest that an infection is likely present — a culture provides definitive confirmation and, critically, the specific antibiotic sensitivity information doctors need to prescribe the most effective treatment rather than a broad guess.

This distinction matters increasingly given rising rates of antibiotic resistance, since a culture can reveal when a common first-line antibiotic won't actually work against the specific bacteria causing your infection.

The test is especially valuable for recurrent urinary tract infections, complicated infections, or when initial treatment hasn't resolved symptoms.