Urine Culture & Sensitivity (C&S) - Provincial
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
- Urine cultures are used to identify the etiology of infections in the bladder, kidneys, and prostate.
- Urine cultures are generally indicated only in symptomatic individuals. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common and the presence of bacteria in urine is not diagnostic of an infection or an indication for antimicrobial treatment in most patients.
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Urine: midstream, catheter (in/out), indwelling catheter, cystoscopy, suprapubic aspiration
Specimen collection container
- Specimen collected using sterile, screw-topped container
- Transfer to Urine Transport container with Boriac Acid preservative
Collection procedure
- See LSM-804 on the Saskatoon Specimen Collection and Transport webpage.
Required volume
- Minimum 5 mL
Transport and stability
- Urine in sterile container without preservative must be processed in microbiology laboratory within 2 hours
- Urine in Transport container with preservative should be processed within 48 hours
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
Patient history: Symptoms of UTI (frequency, burning, pain, fever), history of previous infection, current or previous antimicrobial therapy
Performance
Methodology
- Specimens are cultured aerobically and susceptibility testing is performed on uropathogens present at clinically significant concentrations
Days/times performed
- All specimens will be tested at the nearest microbiology laboratory
Maximum laboratory time
- Expected turnaround time 24 – 72 hours from processing in the laboratory
Specimen retention time
- Specimens retained 3 - 4 days after initial processing
Last Updated: July 8, 2025