Urine culture (MC&S) test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MC&S) is the standard laboratory test for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Microscopy looks at the urine for white blood cells, red blood cells and other cells. Culture tries to grow any bacteria present, and sensitivity testing then checks which antibiotics are effective against the bacteria that grow.

This is particularly helpful when symptoms keep coming back, when a first course of antibiotics has not worked, or when a doctor wants to choose treatment based on the specific bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is increasing, and the sensitivity results help support targeted treatment.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have repeated urinary tract infections and would like to know which bacteria are involved.
• Your symptoms have not improved after a course of antibiotics.
• You have burning when passing urine, needing to go more often or cloudy urine and want a laboratory check.
• Your GP or practitioner has asked for a urine culture before or after treatment.
• You would like a result with antibiotic sensitivities to share with your GP.

Understanding your result

Your report describes what was seen under the microscope, whether any bacteria grew and at what level, and, if a significant growth is found, which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive or resistant to. A mixed growth often means the sample was contaminated during collection and may need repeating. No significant growth suggests a bacterial UTI is less likely, although symptoms can have other causes.

Any treatment decision rests with your GP or prescriber. A result is information to guide that conversation, not a diagnosis on its own.

Preparing for your test

You will give a urine sample at our Chiswick clinic in a sterile container. A first-morning sample is ideal if possible, and it is best not to empty your bladder in the two hours before your appointment. Wash your hands, clean the area, start to pass urine into the toilet and then collect the middle part of the stream (a midstream sample). Tell us about any antibiotics you have taken recently, as these can affect the result. If you have fever, pain in your back or side, vomiting or feel very unwell, contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently, as this can be a kidney infection.

For a broader look at urine, urinalysis checks for protein, blood and glucose, and our kidney function tests look at how well the kidneys filter. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a urine culture test in Chiswick?

The Urine Culture (MC&S) test costs £69. It includes the urine sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Should I stop antibiotics before the test?

Do not stop prescribed antibiotics without advice. Let us know if you are taking them, as they can stop bacteria from growing in the sample.

What is the difference between urinalysis and a urine culture?

Urinalysis gives a quick chemical screen of the urine. A culture grows bacteria to identify them and test which antibiotics work.

Can a urine culture detect sexually transmitted infections?

No. Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea need specific tests, which are available through our sexual health service.