Urine culture - catheterized specimen

This test requires a urine sample. The sample is taken by placing a thin rubber tube (called a catheter) through the urethra into the bladder. A nurse or a trained technician may do this. First, the area around the opening of the urethra is thoroughly washed with a germ-killing (antiseptic) solution. The tube is…

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 to 20 minutes before the test. Otherwise, there is no preparation for the test.

There is some discomfort. As the catheter is inserted, you may feel pressure. If you have a urinary tract infection , you may have some pain when the catheter is inserted.

The test is done: To get a sterile urine sample in a person who cannot urinate on their own If you might have a urinary tract infection If you cannot empty your bladder (urinary retention)

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

A "positive" or abnormal test means germs, such as bacteria or yeast, are found in the urine sample. This likely means that you have a urinary tract infection or a bladder infection. If there is only a small amount of germs and you have no symptoms, your provider may not recommend treatment. Sometimes, bacteria that…

Risks include: Perforation (hole) in the urethra or bladder from the catheter Infection

Dean AJ, Lee DC. Bedside laboratory and microbiologic procedures. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 67. Germann CA. Urologic disorders. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine:…