Urine Microscopy & Culture

General Information

Midstream urine (MSU) specimens are only of diagnostic value if adequate preparation has been made to clean the peri-urethral area (NOT with an antibacterial substance) before obtaining the urine.

The bladder should be partly emptied before obtaining a MSU.

Samples of urine should be stored in a refrigerator at 4°C until transport is available.

At least 4 mL of urine should be collected into a plain universal container.

Boric acid containers (Sarstedt tubes) should be to the line indicated on the tube. Do not over fill the containers.

Catheter samples and samples from indwelling devices are also suitable for culture. Please state the site from which the urine specimen has been collected on the request form, e.g. CSU, nephrostomy, supra-pubic aspirate etc.

Microscopic analysis for the presence of ova or casts may be performed if specifically requested, these samples must be received in a sterile universal container.

If examination for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is required, this must be clearly indicated on the request form.  Please obtain an EMU sample using a sterile universal container. Samples should be collected on 3 consecutive days and sent to the laboratory on the day of collection.

Urine samples may also be processed for detection of Legionella antigen. Please use a sterile universal container. Minimum 1mL required. Expected turn around time <7 days

The equipment utilised for urinalysis has been updated, therefore these results are currently unaccredited whilst awaiting extension to scope. Additionally, the methodology for reading urine culture plates has changed, this is therefore not UKAS accredited whilst the laboratory awaits extension to scope. Please contact the laboratory for further details if required.

Information Sharing: If your sample needs to be referred or a notifiable disease is detected from your sample, your details and sample may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a legal requirement. The UKHSA is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Patient Preparation

How to produce a mid-stream urine sample (self-collection)

Female

• Wash your hands
• Part your labia
• Pass some urine into the toilet bowl
• Without interrupting stream, catch some urine into the pot
• Finish passing urine as normal
• Ensure the lid is securely placed on the pot
• Wash your hands thoroughly

Male

• Wash your hands
• Retract foreskin
• Pass some urine into toilet bowl
• Without interrupting your stream, collect some urine in the pot
• Finish passing urine as normal
• Ensure the lid is securely placed on the pot
• Wash you hands thoroughly.

Please ensure that any deviations from the collection procedures are written onto the request form.