Do I need a Bacteria test?

Do you wonder what's happening inside your urinary tract? Whether you're experiencing symptoms like discomfort or burning, or you simply want to understand your body better, a bacteria test can provide helpful insights into your urinary health.

This test checks for the presence of microorganisms in your urine, identifying whether bacteria are present and what type they may be. It's a straightforward way to see what's actually going on.

Understanding your bacteria levels can help you make informed decisions about your health and wellbeing. Early detection may support conversations with your healthcare provider about next steps, whether treatment is needed, or simply peace of mind. It's included in Listen Health's comprehensive urine analysis panel, giving you a complete picture of what your body is telling you.

Bacteria — Key Facts
MeasuresChecks for the presence of microorganisms within the urinary tract
CategoryUrine
Tested inListen Health Standard & Premium membership (100+ biomarkers)
Reviewed byDr Jamie Deans, MBChB

What is it?

Bacteria in urine, known as bacteriuria, indicates the presence of microorganisms within the urinary tract. It is commonly detected using a urine culture, which identifies the type and quantity of bacteria present. Bacteriuria may occur with or without symptoms (asymptomatic bacteriuria). Whether it causes illness depends on the individual’s immune function, hydration, and the type of bacteria involved.

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Why does it matter?

The presence of bacteria in urine often signals a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause symptoms such as burning or pain when urinating, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and lower abdominal discomfort. If untreated, infection can spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), leading to fever, back pain, and potentially long-term kidney damage. Early detection of bacteriuria allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent complications.

References

  1. Luu T, Albarillo FS. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Prevalence, Diagnosis, Management, and Current Antimicrobial Stewardship Implementations. The American Journal of Medicine. 2022;135(8):e236-e244. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.03.015.

  2. Wiley Z, Jacob JT, Burd EM. Targeting Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Antimicrobial Stewardship: The Role of the Microbiology Laboratory. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 2020;58(5):e00518-18. doi:10.1128/JCM.00518-18.

  3. Colgan R, Jaffe GA, Nicolle LE. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria. American Family Physician. 2020;102(2):99-104.

  4. Ipe DS, Sundac L, Benjamin WH, Moore KH, Ulett GC. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Prevalence Rates of Causal Microorganisms, Etiology of Infection in Different Patient Populations, and Recent Advances in Molecular Detection. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 2013;346(1):1-10. doi:10.1111/1574-6968.12204.

  5. Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2024 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2024;:ciae104. doi:10.1093/cid/ciae104.

  6. Nicolle LE, Gupta K, Bradley SF, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: 2019 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2019;68(10):e83-e110. doi:10.1093/cid/ciy1121.

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AHPRA Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not replace individual medical advice. Always discuss your test results and health concerns with a registered healthcare practitioner.