A routine urine culture detects the amount of germs (like
bacteria) present in the urine. Once a urine sample is
collected, a technician will keep it in conditions where
microorganisms can multiply. Normally, no more than a small
number of germs will be present in the urine if there's no
infection. If a larger number of germs are present, the
technician will use a microscope or chemical tests to determine
the specific types growing in the culture. The technician also
may run tests to determine which medications will be most
effective against the microorganism if the doctor diagnoses an
infection. Why It's Done A urine culture is used to diagnose a
urinary tract infection (UTI) and determine what kinds of germs
are causing it. The doctor may order a urine culture if your
child: complains of a painful sensation when peeing feels the
urge to urinate frequently but doesn't produce much urine (also
called urgency) has a fever of unknown origin or abdominal pain
has a routine urinalysis that is abnormal, especially