Urine culture (catheterized specimen)
Alternative names:
catheterized urine specimen; culture - urine (catheterized specimen); urine collection (catheterization)
How the test is performed:
Adults and children:
A nurse or a trained technician may perform the test. First, the area around the opening of the urethra is thoroughly washed with an antiseptic solution. A well-lubricated catheter (a thin rubber tube) is gently inserted and advanced until it enters bladder. The urine drains into a sterile container, and the catheter is removed.
Infants:
Sterile infant urine samples are collected with bladder catheterization as described above.
Infants' bladders normally are an abdominal rather than a pelvic organ (the bladder is located higher). On a very rare occasion, your health care provider may choose to collect a urine sample by inserting a needle above the pelvis directly into the bladder and draining the urine. However, this is only likely if a sample is necessary immediately to screen for bacterial infection.
The urine is taken to a laboratory to determine what if any organisms are present in the urine. Other tests to determine the sensitivity of the organism to medications may be performed.
How to prepare for the test:
If there is no urge to urinate, drinking a glass of water 15 to 20 minutes before the test may be requested. Otherwise, there is no preparation for the test.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
There is some discomfort. As the catheter is inserted, a sensation of pressure may be experienced. If a urinary tract infection is present, there may be a painful sensation when the catheter is inserted because of inflammation of the urethra.
Why the test is performed:
The test is performed to obtain a sterile urine specimen in a person who cannot voluntarily void, when an infection is suspected in the urinary tract, or when urinary retention is suspected. Tests to determine if organisms that cause infection are present are performed after the urine is collected. This can also help monitor ongoing infections.
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