Culture result

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HOW DO I INTERPRET A CULTURE RESULT?

Please interpret the results of your Flexicult test as you would normally interpret your laboratory culture result. This page provides some guidance and useful references.

UK laboratories threshold for diagnosing significant bacteriuria:

Pure culture at ≥ 10⁵ CFU/mL of a UROPATHOGEN.
Predominant culture where ≥ 10⁵ CFU/mL UROPATHOGEN with 3 log difference between highest and next species.

HPA guidelines: Diagnosis of UTI, Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care

Single organism ≥ 10⁴ cfu/ml¹
Or ≥ 10⁵mixed growth with one predominant organism
Or Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus saprophyticus ≥ 10³ CFU/ml1

Usually indicates UTI in patient with urinary symptoms. ¹Higher counts have even higher positive predictive value.

1Carr J. Urinary tract infections in women: diagnosis and management in primary care. BMJ 2006; 332: 94-7.
HPA. Management of infection guidance for primary care for consultation and local adaptation. 2010.
European Urinalysis Guidelines. Eds. Kouri T, Flogazzi G, Gant V, Hallender H. Hofmann W, Guder WG Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2000;60:1-96.
SIGN. Management of suspected bacterial urinary tract infection in adults: a national clinical guideline. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. 2006.