Microbiology Test

Test : Urine fungus culture


Indications : The test is ordered to detect the following conditions:

• Candiduria
• Urinary tract mycosis

Avoid diuretics prior to the test as this will dilute the urine sample. Drink adequate water a few hours before the test to make sure that there is enough urine in the bladder.

No preparation is required prior to the test. Inform the doctor about any medication that you may be taking. Avoid urinating before sample collection. Wash genital area from front to back, thoroughly, with medicated towels or swabs before collecting sample. After the initial flow of urine collect 60ml of a clean-catch midstream urine sample into a sterile container. Do not allow the sample to be contaminated with any tissue, paper, feces, menstrual blood or fluid. Make sure you wash hands before and after sample collection.

In some cases urine is collected by inserting a catheter into the bladder through the urethra. Once the sample is collected the container is closed and sent to the laboratory as quickly as possible and allowed to grow in an appropriate medium that promotes fungal growth.

Physiology : Urine fungus culture is carried out to detect urinary infections caused by fungus.

Those with diabetes, chronic renal failure, indwelling catheters for urine clearance and those on antibiotics are at an increased risk of developing urinary fungal infection (funguria).

Normal Range : No growth

Interpretation : Normal - Negative

No fungal growth is seen in the culture indicating that the urinary infection is not caused by fungus.

Abnormal - Positive

Fungus is seen growing in the culture dish indicating fungus - urinary tract infection. If you are not undergoing treatment, start immediately. If already on treatment, consider consulting a doctor to change medications.

Sample : Urine

Test Method : Culture on selective media

Related Tests : Blood fungus culture, Candidiasis, fungus smear

Revise This Test    Add New Test