Urinalysis and urine culture for preterm labour
Routine values that are checked on a urine sample include:
- Colour and cloudiness.
- The number of white and red blood cells.
- The amount of protein.
This urine test can check for a urinary tract infection in a woman who is having preterm labour symptoms.
A urine culture involves adding a small sample of urine to a container that holds a substance that helps bacteria grow (growth medium). The type and number of any organisms that grow are identified.
Both tests may be done if you are at risk for preterm labour, or during preterm labour, even if you do not have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Using antibiotics to kill any bacteria that are present may help to prevent or stop preterm labour and to prevent related complications.
See the medical tests Urine Culture and Urine Test for more information.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley | Last Updated: April 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology | |
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