Microbiology Urine

URINES

If Chlamydia PCR required, please see MMMP Handbook

Optimal time of specimen collection

Before antimicrobial therapy. Refrigerate if delay anticipated

Correct specimen type and method of collection

Midstream urine (MSU)

Recommended method for routine use:
Perineum is cleaned with soap and water. The first part of the voided urine is discarded and, without interrupting the flow, approximately 10 ml of urine is collected into a sterile 60ml container. The remaining urine is discarded.

Clean-catch urine

A reasonable alternative to MSU in children. Collect mid-stream specimen

CSU

Obtained either from a transient ("in and out") catheterisation or from an indwelling catheter. In the latter, the specimen is obtained aseptically from a sample port in the catheter tubing or by aseptic aspiration of the tubing. The specimen must not be obtained from the collection bag. N.B. Urinary catheter tips are inappropriate samples and will not be processed.

Bag urine

Used commonly for infants and young children. Tape sterile bag over the genitalia; check every half hour and transfer the collected urine to a sterile container.

Quantity and number of specimens

Transport

Specimen transport.

Send to the laboratory within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerate if any delay is expected. Ensure the top of the container is tight and secure. Place in a sealed plastic bag.

	Optimal time of specimen collection	Before antimicrobial therapy. Refrigerate if delay anticipated
	Correct specimen type and method of collection	Midstream urine (MSU) Recommended method for routine use: Perineum is cleaned with soap and water. The first part of the voided urine is discarded and, without interrupting the flow, approximately 10 ml of urine is collected into a sterile 60ml container. The remaining urine is discarded. Clean-catch urine A reasonable alternative to MSU in children. Collect mid-stream specimen CSU Obtained either from a transient ("in and out") catheterisation or from an indwelling catheter. In the latter, the specimen is obtained aseptically from a sample port in the catheter tubing or by aseptic aspiration of the tubing. The specimen must not be obtained from the collection bag. N.B. Urinary catheter tips are inappropriate samples and will not be processed. Bag urine Used commonly for infants and young children. Tape sterile bag over the genitalia; check every half hour and transfer the collected urine to a sterile container.
	Quantity and number of specimens
	Transport	Specimen transport. Send to the laboratory within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerate if any delay is expected. Ensure the top of the container is tight and secure. Place in a sealed plastic bag.