Microscopy and Culture (UTI) Urine Test

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system including the kidneys, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract and women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent urination, a pain or burning sensation when urinating, blood in the urine and abdominal pain.

For this test, a sample of urine is examined under the microscope in the laboratory and cultured for 18 hours, looking specifically for blood cells, pus cells and casts which are the cells and mucous that accumulate in the kidney before passing into the urine. This test pin-points protein, to identify whether there is either kidney damage or disease. A urine culture checks for any microorganisms present that may cause an infection and, if they are present, helps to identify the type of antibiotic that will eradicate it.