| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | This procedure is a way of obtaining a urine sample through a catheter (a thin rubber tube) inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The urine is obtained by this method to avoid contamination from the urethra, or if urine cannot be collected by the clean catch method. |
| Alternative Names | Culture - urine - catheterized specimen; Urine culture - catheterization; Catheterized urine specimen culture |
| How the test is performed | Adults and children: A nurse or a trained technician may perform the test. First, the area around the opening of the urethra is thoroughly washed with an antiseptic solution. A well-lubricated catheter (a thin rubber tube) is gently inserted and advanced until it enters bladder. The urine drains into a sterile container, and the catheter is removed. Infants: Sterile infant urine samples are collected with bladder catheterization as described above. Infants' bladders normally are an abdominal rather than a pelvic organ (the bladder is located higher). On a very rare occasion, your health care provider may choose to collect a urine sample by inserting a needle above the pelvis directly into the bladder and draining the urine. However, this is only likely if a sample is necessary immediately to screen for bacterial infection. The urine is taken to a laboratory to determine what, if any, organisms are present in the urine. Other tests to determine the sensitivity of the organism to medications may be performed. |
| How to prepare for the test | Do not urinate for at least an hour before the test. If there is no urge to urinate, drinking a glass of water 15 to 20 minutes before the test may be requested. Otherwise, there is no preparation for the test. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age: Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year) Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years) Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years) Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years) Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years) |
| How the test will feel | There is some discomfort. As the catheter is inserted, a sensation of pressure may be experienced. If a urinary tract infection is present, there may be a painful sensation when the catheter is inserted because of inflammation of the urethra. |
| Why the test is performed | The test is performed to obtain a sterile urine specimen in a person who cannot voluntarily urinate, when an infection is suspected in the urinary tract, or when urinary retention is suspected. Tests to determine if organisms that cause infection are present are performed after the urine is collected. This can also help monitor ongoing infections. |
| Normal Values | Normal values depend on the test being performed. Normal results are reported as "no growth" and indicate an absence of infection. |
| What abnormal results mean | A "positive" test indicates enough organisms detected to cause urinary tract infection . |
| What the risks are | There is a slight risk of perforation (hole) from the catheter and a risk of infection. |
| Special considerations | Rarely, a suprapubic aspirate may be performed if a sample cannot be obtained by other methods. In this method, a needle is inserted through the skin of the lower abdomen into the bladder to withdraw urine. |
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