Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic, Urine – Conventional Identification & Automated AST on VITEK

Overview
Urine Culture & Sensitivity is a microbiological test used to detect and identify bacteria causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and determine which antibiotics are likely to be effective.

Test Method

• Culture: Urine is cultured under aerobic conditions to detect bacterial growth.
• Identification: Isolated bacteria are identified using conventional microbiological methods.
• Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST): Automated testing is performed on the VITEK system to determine the organism's susceptibility or resistance to selected antibiotics.

Why is this test done?
It may be recommended for symptoms such as:

• Burning or pain while urinating
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Fever or chills associated with suspected UTI
• Recurrent urinary infections
• Suspected antibiotic-resistant infection

Sample Required
A properly collected urine sample, preferably a clean-catch midstream urine specimen, is generally used.

Report
The report may include the organism identified, bacterial growth status, and an antibiotic susceptibility profile indicating antibiotics to which the organism is Sensitive, Intermediate, or Resistant, as applicable.

Clinical Importance
Combining conventional identification with automated AST on VITEK helps provide clinically useful information for targeted antibiotic selection and supports appropriate management of bacterial urinary infections.

Note: Test interpretation should be correlated with clinical findings and performed by a qualified healthcare professional.