Purpose

In this lab, students will learn how to diagnose Urinary Tract Infections. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of morbidity around the world. The purpose of this lab is to isolate, identify, and discuss common UTI pathogens using common biochemical and morphological tests.

In this lab, students receive a urine sample containing their first unknown bacterial culture. These eight patients will be infected by one of six possible pathogens.

Objectives

After completing this lab, students will be able to:

  • identify the common causes of urinary tract infections
  • interpret the results of common biochemical and morphological tests used to diagnose urinary tract infections
  • isolate bacteria from a urine sample
  • quantify bacteria in a urine sample using a semiquantitative streak

Materials