What is the Urine Microscopy & Culture test?

Urine Microscopy & Culture is a laboratory test that examines a urine sample in two stages. Microscopy looks at urine under a microscope to identify white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and casts. Culture involves growing any bacteria present to confirm infection.

This combined approach provides both immediate indicators of infection or inflammation and definitive identification of bacterial growth. It is one of the most reliable tests for diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The test can also provide insight into non-infective urinary abnormalities.

Why do I need a Urine Microscopy & Culture test?

Urinary symptoms can be caused by infection, inflammation, stones, or other urinary tract issues. This test helps determine the underlying cause accurately.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Burning or pain when passing urine
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Blood in the urine
• Fever with urinary symptoms
• Recurrent urinary symptoms
• Monitoring response to previous treatment

The test helps distinguish true infection from non-infective causes of symptoms.

Benefits of the test

1. Accurate UTI diagnosis
   Confirms whether infection is present.
2. Identifies bacterial growth
   Determines if bacteria are causing symptoms.
3. Detects inflammation or bleeding
   Microscopy highlights white and red blood cells.
4. Reduces unnecessary treatment
   Helps avoid treatment when no infection is present.
5. Useful in recurrent symptoms
   Clarifies ongoing or repeated urinary issues.
6. Non-invasive testing
   Requires only a urine sample.
7. Widely used in clinical practice
   Standard investigation for urinary symptoms.
8. Supports appropriate follow-up
   Results guide further assessment if needed.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Provide a urine sample
• Sample sent to the laboratory
• Microscopy and culture performed
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel collection (+£60, UK-wide)

• Urine collection kit provided
• Sample collected at home or hotel
• Sample returned for laboratory analysis

Your results explained

No infection detected

• No significant bacteria grown
• Minimal white blood cells
• UK standard: No growth
• Suggests no urinary tract infection

Signs of infection

• White blood cells and bacteria seen on microscopy
• Bacterial growth on culture
• UK standard: Significant growth
• Confirms urinary tract infection

Other findings

• Red blood cells – may indicate irritation, stones, or bleeding
• Crystals – may suggest stone risk
• Epithelial cells – may indicate sample contamination

Results should be interpreted with symptoms and clinical context.