Urine Culture

Laboratory Test

What is the test?

A urine culture is used in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections.

How do I prepare?

There is no special preparation for a urine culture.

How is the test done?

Detailed instructions on how to collect the urine specimen are available in your doctor’s office and at the Laboratory. Typically, you will be provided with a mild disinfectant with which to clean the genital area and a sterile container and instructions on how to “catch” a clean urine sample.

How and when will I get my test results?

Urine culture results are usually available in one to three days, depending on how long it takes for the culture to grow and how quickly we can determine which antibiotic will be most effective in treating the infection. The test results will be sent directly to your doctor, who will share them with you.

Where is the test performed?

A urine specimen may be collected at your doctor’s office and sent to the medical center’s laboratory for culturing. Or you may go to any of Cayuga Medical Center’s five Laboratory sites. The locations are:  Cayuga Medical Center at 101 Dates Drive in Ithaca; the Cayuga Professional Building at 1301 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca; 5 Evergreen Street in Dryden; Convenient Care at Ithaca on Arrowwood Drive off Warren Road; and Convenient Care at Cortland on Route 281 and Commons Avenue.

If you have questions regarding lab testing, you can reach the Cayuga Medical Center Laboratory at (607) 274-4474.