Reading a Urine Culture

What are they saying it is/could be?

From a preliminary look, looks like the protein could be causing the high specific gravity, and between blood traces, high ketones and protein I'd probably be worried about kidney damage? Perhaps secondary to something like uncontrolled diabetes or the like but for organ damage in a 6 year old it'd be fairly bad case of it. That's assuming organ damage at all, I'm no doctor. But I'm interested to hear what they were saying

@Tagmayne saying dehydration and possibly UTI

Dehydration I definitely agree with, UTI I'd expect elevated leukocytes, though that'd be in blood not urine, did they do blood work, and is there an elevated white blood count?

@Tagmayne this was all from a urine culture at a walk in clinic, with directions to follow up with her primary which now that it’s the weekend we have to wait 😭

I'd definitely follow up, but giving your kid a couple Pedialyte and some antibiotics won't do her any harm, and if it is a UTI could help get ahead of any harm. people tend to underestimate UTIs because of how easy they are to treat but they're definitely not something to mess around with, I knew a guy in college who was told he had a UTI and to take antibiotic but somehow thought he'd just "man up" about it and ended up nearly dying and needing a kidney transplant from his twin because it spread to his kidneys and almost went septic. Not that that's likely or anything, just don't mess with UTIs!

Okay so here is how you would read this test: Color can be from Light yellow to amber. Clarity can be clear to cloudy. *Yellow and clear are good because this means that there is nothing in her urine that shouldn't be. Specifics Gravity let's you know how hydrated you are. *Her Specific Gravity is High so she is significantly dehydrated. As stated pushing Pedialyte drinks and popsicles will help. PH is for how acidic your urine is and can indicate stones. Glucose in the urine is only important for pregnant women or people taking corticosteroids. *She is good on both of these. Protein in the urine can be another indication of dehydration, possible kidney issues and possible UTI or bladder infection. Same with Ketones in your urine. Trace amounts are usually not something to worry about unless your diabetic. *When you put her protein and ketone values together it does reaffirm significant dehydration.

Burlirubin in the urine is an indicator of liver disease or gall stones. Occult Blood is used for microscopic blood that can't be seen with the human eye. *She has Trace amounts in her urine. This can be an indicator of kidney disease, UTI and dehydration. Leukocytes(white blood cells) and possibly your Nitrites can be elevated with a UTI. Some bacteria that causes UTI dose not give off Nitrites so that can be negative but a UTI is still present. *Leucocytes can be harder to detect in a urinalysis and a CBC is a much better indicator. * You have to look at the test as a whole along with any symptoms she is having. Kidney disease symptoms usually include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little. However it is possible to have kidney issues and not know it.

UTI symptoms include painful urination, frequent urination, urgent need to go without any urination, fever and fatigue. Dehydration symptoms include headaches, dry lips and mouth, fatigue, decreased activity, irritability, lightheadedness, dark and pungent urine, and infrequent urination. Being dehydrated does elevate your risk of developing a UTI. The best way to treat a UTI or Dehydration at home would be to push fluids. Pedialyte drinks or popsicles, clear broths and sugar free jello. Nothing with sugar as this is food for bacteria. When you see your pediatrician they should do another urinalysis or they may do a urine culture or both. Urine cultures are great because they will let them see bacteria easier and use the culture to identify the bacteria for appropriate treatment.

*In my opinion when I read your test she looks to be significantly dehydrated with possibly the beginning stages of a UTI. I don't know her symptoms though and I am not a Dr. just in med school. Sorry so long; I hope this explanation gives you a better understanding and some peace of mind 😊 wishing your little one a quick recovery 💗