Urine Culture and Sensitivity (22 Drugs) Test

The urine culture and sensitivity (22 drugs) test is used to identify the yeast or bacteria causing the infection and to diagnose a urinary tract infection. The test may be done in conjunction with susceptibility testing to find out which antibiotics will inhibit the growth of the bacteria which will be causing infection. Urine is the fluid which contains wastes and water that is produced by the kidneys. The kidneys filter the waste out of the blood and produce urine which travels through tubes called ureters to the bladder which is then eliminated through the urethra. People suffering from kidney disease or other severe diseases that are affecting the kidneys like kidney stones, diabetes or weakened immune system are more prone to complicated, frequent or repeated urinary tract infection.

Generally, no special preparation is required for urine culture and sensitivity (22 drugs) test. However, you will be instructed not to urinate for at least 1-2 hour before the test. You will also be instructed to drink a glass of water 15-20 minutes before the collection of the sample as this will help you to ensure that enough urine is produced for the sample. You are generally instructed not to fast and have your regular food and drink before the sample collection. You also need to follow the instruction provided by the doctor for collecting a mid-stream urine sample.

As mentioned above, urine culture and sensitivity (22 drugs) test is used to diagnose urinary tract infection. The test is used when there are symptoms of burning or pain while urinating or frequent urge to urinate. The test may be also used for patients who have a catheter inserted for an extended period of time. There is a risk of bacteria being introduced by the use of catheter even if they do not show obvious symptoms of an infection. The test is also used in the first trimester period of pregnancy even if there is no symptom of bacteria in the urine.

A mid-stream urine sample is collected for a urine culture and sensitivity (22 drugs) test. The procedure for collecting the sample includes:

• Wash your hands before the collection.
• Use a mild soap or water to clean the penis in male and external genitalia from front to back in females.
• Do not collect the initial stream of urine.
• Collect 20-30 milliliters of urine in a sterile screw-top container from the midway through the urination process.
• Tightly seal the container and wash your hand immediately and label the container
• The sample is then sent to the research laboratory for examination.