1. What the test is and why I ordered it

A urinalysis checks a urine sample with a dipstick and a microscope. A urine culture grows any bacteria to identify them and see which antibiotics work. I order them for urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, and before procedures.

2. What the numbers usually mean

• Leukocyte esterase or white blood cells: signs of inflammation, often infection.
• Nitrite: made by some bacteria; a positive result suggests infection.
• Red blood cells: 3 or more per high-power field under the microscope is called microscopic hematuria. Once infection is ruled out, it usually needs an evaluation.
• Culture: a single type of bacteria at 100,000 colonies per mL or more usually means infection, though lower counts can matter if you have symptoms. "Mixed flora" or several organisms usually means the sample picked up skin bacteria and should be repeated.

3. What usually happens next

An infection is treated with an antibiotic matched to the culture. If blood was present, the urine is rechecked after treatment. Blood that persists usually leads to imaging and a cystoscopy. A contaminated sample is simply collected again.

4. When to call right away

• Fever, chills, or flank pain
• Visible blood with clots, or you cannot urinate
• Fever if you have a penile implant or artificial urinary sphincter

5. Where to see your result and ask about it

Your actual result, and any note from your care team, is in your patient portal, the same one you use to book visits and send messages. Send questions about your result through the portal, or call the office at (516) 535-1900. If something feels urgent, call the office or go to the nearest emergency room. This page explains what results usually mean; it can't interpret yours.