Normally, urine is sterile, but the process of collection can introduce bacteria. Therefore, a normal range of bacteria in urine is considered to be up to 10,000 colonies per milliliter (colonies/mL).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Sterile Urine: Ideally, urine in the bladder is free of bacteria.
- Contamination During Collection: Bacteria from the skin or urethra can contaminate the urine sample during collection. This is why proper collection techniques are important.
- Acceptable Level: Up to 10,000 colonies/mL is typically considered acceptable and does not necessarily indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- UTI Indication: A bacterial count of greater than 100,000 colonies/mL usually suggests a UTI. Further investigation and possible treatment are generally required.
Therefore, while urine should be sterile, a small amount of bacteria is often present due to contamination. The level of bacteria determines whether it's within the normal range or indicative of an infection.
