Urine for Culture & Sensitivity

Function

The Urine Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) test is the gold standard for diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Its primary function is to identify specific pathogenic bacteria or yeast growing in the urinary tract and determine which antibiotics are most effective at inhibiting their growth. This two-step process ensures that treatment is targeted and effective, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Why it is Ordered

Physicians order this test when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of a UTI, such as:

• Burning sensation during urination (dysuria).
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate.
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine.
• Lower abdominal pain or pelvic pressure.
• Persistent fever or chills (suggesting a potential kidney infection).

Associated Conditions

• Cystitis: Infection of the bladder, the most common form of UTI.
• Pyelonephritis: A more serious infection that has reached the kidneys.
• Urethritis: Infection of the urethra, often associated with sexually transmitted infections.
• Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: The presence of bacteria in the urine without symptoms, which is clinically significant in pregnant women or patients undergoing urological surgery.
• Recurrent UTIs: Identification of specific strains helps in managing chronic infection patterns.