Urine Culture Test (Urine C/S) in Noida - Price & Details

PharmEasy Labs brings the finest diagnostic services carried out by the most experienced technicians and pathologists, and that too at affordable rates. To get tested at home and have the reports delivered by email, book the urine culture test through the PharmEasy app.

Urine is a liquid waste of the body. In the urine culture test, growth-promoting substances (microorganisms) are introduced into the urine sample in a laboratory setting. If bacteria or yeast are present, they start to multiply. This growth indicates that the patient has an infection in their urinary tract.

When microbes (bacteria or fungi) enter the urinary tract, they cause an infection that results in a UTI. E. coli is the most common type of bacteria that causes urinary tract infections.

Our urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The bacteria E. coli live in the gastrointestinal tract of all healthy people without causing any harm. These bacteria are passed out in the stool and often present around the anus. If the slightest part of the faecal matter comes into contact with the opening of the urethra, E. coli bacteria find their way into the urinary tract. They multiply there, causing UTI at different points of the urinary tract.

Women, children, and the elderly are prone to urinary tract infections. Children often do not empty their bladders when urinating, or hold urine for a long time. In older people, the muscles of the bladder and pelvic floor weaken, resulting in the bladder not emptying completely during urination. Retained urine encourages bacteria to multiply.

A woman's urethra is smaller than that of a man. It is also designed in such a way that the opening of the urethra is right next to the anus and vagina. This gives the bacteria easy access to enter the urethra, and then they travel up the urinary tract. The most common type of urinary tract infection is a bladder infection or cystitis. If not treated, UTIs can lead to kidney infection or pyelonephritis, which is less common but more serious.

The factors that cause bacterial growth in the urinary tract include:

• Spinal cord injury or nerve damage, which makes it difficult for the bladder to empty regularly and completely
• Conditions that can obstruct the flow of urine, such as a tumour, kidney stone, enlarged prostate or sexual intercourse
• Health conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes
• Catheters, the tubes which are inserted into the urethra and bladder to pass urine
• Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy help bacteria in the urinary tract spread to the kidneys

Some measures that can be taken to prevent UTIs are:

• Practice healthy hygiene habits.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse and wash the area before and after sexual contact.

• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to keep bacteria away from the urethra.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria through urine.

The urine culture is the test that can identify the specific bacteria causing a UTI. If the doctor suspects that you have developed a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may recommend a urine culture. The symptoms are:

• Fatigue and low-grade fever
• Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
• A strong urge to urinate that does not subside after emptying the bladder
• Pain and burning sensation while urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Vaginal irritation
• Back pain, nausea and vomiting, high fever and chills (may be a sign of kidney infection)

For urine culture, collect the sample after the urine has been pooled in the bladder for several hours. For best results, collect the first urine of the day as this contains the highest volume of bacteria. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before collecting.

During the Urine Culture Test

After you have booked the urine culture test, a phlebotomist will arrive at your house to collect the urine sample. They will hand you a sterilised plastic container to collect the urine sample in. Once you have collected the urine in the sample, hand it over to the phlebotomist. They will send the sample to the laboratory for testing.