urine culture and sensitivity

[mel82]

i am preparing an oral report on urine c&s can anyone tell me if this test is done for anything other than to identify a UTI? Also, how do they make the bacteria grow?

TIA, Melanie

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Remember that a C&S is done after a R&M (routine & microscopic). The R&M identifies (among other things) that yes, there is a bacterial infection present in the urinary tract. The C&S identifies the specific bacteria & tests its sensitivity (susceptibility) to different antibiotic agents so that the proper antibiotic can be prescribed to clear up the infection. These 2 tests are sometimes ordered together, especially when the urine sample is obtained and it is so obviously cloudy, strong odor, etc. that it is almost certain that a UTI is present.

So to answer your question, I would say that this would only be performed for a UTI. But it would be worth taking into consideration that the UTI can be anywhere along the urinary tract and from a care standpoint, the measures taken to combat the infection may vary considerably depending in where the infection is.

Consult your micro book for the culturing procedures, or check w/your facility's lab.

HTH. :)

[jaywife]

Altra's is very good, thx