Quick answer
The Urine Culture & Sensitivity Test costs ₹700 at Live Line Health Care. Identifies the bacteria causing a urinary tract infection, counts them, and shows which antibiotics are likely to clear the infection. No fasting is needed. It uses a urine sample and the report is usually ready within 48–72 hours.
Also known as: Urine C/S, Urine CS, Urine for Culture Sensitivity, Urine Culture and Sensitivity, UTI Test, Urine Infection Test
What is the Urine Culture Test?
A Urine Culture & Sensitivity test is the standard way to confirm a urinary tract infection (UTI) and find out which germ is causing it. A small amount of your urine is spread on culture plates and incubated overnight or longer. If bacteria grow, the lab counts the colonies, names the organism and tests it against a panel of antibiotics. E. coli is by far the most common cause, and resistance to common antibiotics is a growing concern in India.
A Urine Routine test and this culture work as a pair but are not the same. The routine test is quick and shows signs such as pus cells or nitrites, which hint at infection. The culture takes longer but shows whether bacteria are actually growing and guides the medicine. It is especially valuable for repeated UTIs, infections during pregnancy, UTIs in men, and those that have not settled with treatment. Because bacteria from the skin can easily get into the container, the way you collect the sample matters a great deal.
What it measures: Bacteria or yeast growing from urine, their colony count in CFU per mL, and their response to antibiotics.
Parameters included (3)
- Colony Count (CFU/mL)
- Organism Identified
- Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern
Why is this test done?
- Burning urine or frequent urination, when a UTI is suspected
- Repeated UTIs, or one that has not cleared after antibiotics
- Screening in pregnancy, when even symptomless bacteria in urine may need treatment
- Fever with back pain, suggesting a kidney infection
- UTI in men or children, or in anyone with diabetes, kidney stones or a catheter
- Before a urinary tract procedure or surgery
When should you get tested?
- Burning or pain while passing urine
- Needing to pass urine often or urgently
- Cloudy, foul-smelling or blood-stained urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Fever, chills or pain in the side or back
How to prepare for the Urine Culture Test
- 1Use the first urine of the morning if you can, or urine that has stayed in the bladder for a few hours.
- 2Antibiotics can hide the infection, so give this sample before your first dose unless your doctor says to start right away.
- 3Wash your hands and clean the genital area with plain water. Women should wipe from front to back, and men should draw back the foreskin.
- 4Let the first part of the stream go into the toilet, then catch the middle part in the sterile container without touching its inside.
- 5Close the lid and hand it over soon, ideally within 2 hours, since bacteria multiply in urine left at room temperature.
Urine Culture Test normal range
| Parameter | Typical reference range |
|---|---|
| Expected result | No growth, or no significant growth |
| Significant growth | Commonly 100,000 CFU/mL or more of one germ in a clean midstream sample |
| Lower counts | May still matter with symptoms, in men, or in catheter samples |
| Mixed growth | Several kinds of bacteria, which often means contamination and may need a fresh sample |
CFU means colony-forming units, a count of the live bacteria grown from each mL of urine. Your doctor reads the count together with your symptoms. Ranges are typical adult values and vary between labs, age and sex. Always use the range printed on your report and discuss results with your doctor.
Understanding your results
- Significant growth with symptoms confirms a UTI, and your doctor should select the antibiotic using the sensitivity report instead of guessing.
- Mixed growth or a low count of skin bacteria usually points to contamination. A fresh, carefully collected sample may be needed.
- Bacteria in urine without symptoms often need no antibiotics, except in pregnancy and before some urinary procedures. Ask your doctor before taking any treatment.
- No growth despite symptoms may mean antibiotics were already taken, or that another cause such as a stone, bladder irritation or a sexually transmitted infection is involved.
- See a doctor the same day for fever, back pain or vomiting, or for any UTI symptoms during pregnancy, since kidney infections can become serious.
Book the Urine Culture Test in your city
Same price at all 45 centres. Choose your city for local centres and timings.
Telangana
Urine Culture Test – FAQs
What is the price of the Urine Culture Test?
The Urine Culture & Sensitivity Test costs ₹700 at Live Line Health Care, at all 45 centres and for home sample collection.
What is the difference between urine routine and urine culture?
Urine routine is a quick test showing pus cells, sugar, protein and other signs in urine. Urine culture grows the actual bacteria, names them and shows which antibiotics work. Routine results can suggest infection, while the culture confirms it and guides treatment.
How do I collect a midstream urine sample?
Wash your hands and clean the genital area with water. Start passing urine into the toilet, then, without stopping, move the sterile container into the stream and collect the middle portion. Finish in the toilet and close the lid straight away.
What does 100,000 CFU/mL mean on a urine culture report?
It means a high number of bacteria grew from each millilitre of urine. With one type of germ, this count usually points to a true infection. Your doctor reads it along with your symptoms, as lower counts can also matter.
Why is my urine culture negative when I have UTI symptoms?
Antibiotics taken before the sample are a common reason. Burning and frequency can also come from a stone, bladder irritation, vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted infection. Tell your doctor if symptoms continue, as you may need other tests.
Can I give a urine culture sample during my period?
It is better to wait until bleeding stops, as blood can get into the sample and affect the result. If symptoms are strong and testing cannot wait, tell the staff and your doctor, who can advise you on the best approach.
Should I start antibiotics before a urine culture?
It is best to give the urine first, then start any antibiotic your doctor prescribes. Your doctor may begin treatment before the report arrives if you are unwell, and can adjust it later. Avoid leftover or chemist-suggested antibiotics, which can hide the germ.
Where can I get the Urine Culture Test done?
At any of our 45 Live Line Health Care centres in 40 cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Kakinada and Nellore, or book home sample collection.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor to interpret your results and before starting or changing any treatment.