how long does it take for a urine culture to come back

A urine culture typically takes about 1 to 3 days for the results to come back. Most common urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens grow within 24 to 48 hours, but in some cases, it may take a little longer if further testing for antibiotic sensitivity is needed or if slower-growing organisms are involved. Generally, labs can provide preliminary results within a day or two, with final results, including antibiotic sensitivity, potentially taking up to three days. If no significant bacterial growth is detected, results may be reported sooner. The exact timing can vary depending on the lab's processes, workload, and the type of bacteria present.