Ordering the Urinalysis, Routine with Reflex to Urine Culture with Sensitivity
A urinalysis with reflex to urine culture and sensitivity helps check for signs of infection, kidney issues, or other urinary problems by looking at your urine’s appearance, chemical makeup, and microscopic features. Interestingly, this test can also detect substances in urine that may point to early kidney damage before symptoms appear.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Identify urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pinpoint the bacteria causing them
- Determine which antibiotics will work best if bacteria are found
- Detect blood, protein, or sugar in urine that may signal kidney or metabolic problems
- Monitor changes in urine for people with a history of urinary issues
- Track the effectiveness of treatment for ongoing urinary or kidney conditions
Who Should Consider Urine Screening and Bacterial Culture
People who notice burning or discomfort when urinating, frequent urges to go, or cloudy urine may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has had several urinary tract infections in the past year and wants to know if a new infection is present and which treatment will work best may find this test helpful.
Ordering this test may also be useful in these situations:
- Recurring urinary symptoms that don’t go away with usual care
- Monitoring for infection after a recent urinary procedure
- Checking for kidney problems in people with diabetes
- Screening for urinary issues during pregnancy
- Unexpectedly, tracking changes in urine for people with autoimmune conditions that can affect the kidneys
This test gives clear answers about infection, kidney function, and the best treatment options by measuring specific markers in your urine. Delaying this test could allow an infection to worsen or make it harder to choose the right antibiotic, which may lead to longer recovery times or complications.
Getting Ready for Your Urine Lab Panel
No fasting is needed before this urine test, so you can eat and drink as usual. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected the right way and your results are as helpful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Urinalysis, Routine with Reflex to Urine Culture with Sensitivity
| Test Name | Reference Range | What the Test Measures | Low and High Levels of Urinalysis, Routine with Reflex to Urine Culture with Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urinalysis | Negative for blood, protein, glucose, nitrite, leukocyte esterase; pH 4.6-8.0; Specific gravity 1.005-1.030 | Urinalysis checks for blood, protein, sugar, and signs of infection in your urine. It also looks at urine color, clarity, and concentration to spot kidney or urinary problems. |
High levels mean: Blood, protein, or bacteria may be present, which can signal infection, kidney disease, or metabolic issues.
Low levels mean: Normal or no abnormal findings, which usually suggests healthy kidney and urinary function. |
| Culture and Sensitivity | No growth or <10,000 CFU/mL | This test grows any bacteria found in your urine and checks which antibiotics will work best to treat them. It helps guide treatment for urinary infections. |
High levels mean: Bacteria are present, which points to a urinary tract infection that may need treatment.
Low levels mean: No bacteria found, so infection is unlikely. |
Reference ranges can change over time. For the most current values, visit the Quest Diagnostics lab test directory.
Urinalysis, Routine with Reflex to Urine Culture with Sensitivity FAQ
Is there Urinalysis, Routine with Reflex to Urine Culture with Sensitivity testing near me?
You can find nearby locations for this urine test using the patient service center locator, which also lists mobile phlebotomy options for added convenience. For those who need quick answers about possible urinary infections, having a close and accessible testing site makes sample collection easier and less stressful.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for this test includes all fees, even the cost of collecting your urine sample at a patient service center. Ordering this test is worth it if you want to quickly find out the cause of urinary symptoms and get the right treatment.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended if you have new symptoms, after finishing treatment for a urinary infection, or as your doctor suggests for ongoing kidney or urinary issues. Regular follow-up helps confirm that infections are gone and that your kidneys are working as expected.
How accurate is the test?
Urinalysis uses automated analyzers and microscopy, while urine culture and sensitivity use bacterial growth and antibiotic testing methods; together, they offer about 98% specificity and 95% sensitivity. All tests at TrueHealthLabs.com are performed by CLIA-certified labs, meeting strict quality and precision standards.
Important Notes
- Extra Cost of $15 per Organism Sensitivity
- Extra Cost of $50 for Urine Culture and Sensitivity if Indicated
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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