Urinalysis and urine culture for preterm labor

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Urinalysis and urine culture for preterm labor

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Routine values that are checked on a urine sample include:

Color 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 labor 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 labor, or during preterm labor, 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 labor and to prevent related complications.

See the medical tests Urine Culture and Urine Test for more information.

Credits

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Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology
Last Updated	January 19, 2007

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Last updated:	January 19, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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