Overview
Testing for cells and bacteria, with culture and susceptibility testing when relevant.
What is it for?
Useful for suspected infection in selected situations; not every urinary symptom needs it.
When is it considered?
Ordered according to symptoms, pregnancy, risk or certain procedures.
Before your appointment
Fever with kidney pain or marked illness needs care without waiting for results.
Procedure and preparation
Follow collection instructions, preferably before antibiotics when this does not delay urgent care.
Understanding results
A positive result may reflect contamination or colonisation and must be interpreted with symptoms.
Next steps and follow-up
The clinician decides whether antibiotics are needed and which to use; laboratory resistance alone is not a treatment indication.
Explore this topic further
Continue with related explanations of how the body works and treatment options.