What is the primary purpose of a urine culture?

The primary purpose of a urine culture is to detect bacteria or fungi in urine. This type of laboratory test is specifically designed to identify and quantify microorganisms present in the urine, which helps diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other related conditions. When a urine sample is cultured, it is incubated in a laboratory setting to promote the growth of any pathogens that may be causing an infection. The results can guide appropriate antibiotic treatment if an infection is present.

In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of urinalysis or other medical conditions. For instance, detecting infections in blood pertains to blood cultures, while assessing kidney function typically involves tests like serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinalysis rather than a urine culture. Analyzing hormonal levels is unrelated to urine cultures and usually involves specific blood tests or different types of urine tests. Thus, the correct focus on detecting bacteria or fungi in urine reinforces the targeted nature of a urine culture in diagnosing infections.