Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
Results take 1 to 3 days. Treatment often starts before results and may be changed if needed.
Why it's done
- Urinary infection symptoms, especially if they come back or don't improve
- Kidney infections
- Pregnancy screening
Getting ready and what happens
- Give a clean-catch sample, ideally before starting antibiotics.
How the test is done
- You pee into a sterile cup. Sometimes a catheter sample is needed.
What the results mean
Positive
Names the germ and which antibiotics work against it.
Mixed growth
Often means the sample was contaminated; it may be repeated.
No growth
Makes a bacterial UTI unlikely.
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
- Is my antibiotic the right one for this germ?
Related conditions
Related medicines
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.