Urine Collection for Microbiology Examination

1. Urine for Urinary Tract Infection

A midstream urine (MSU) in a red topped 30 mL boric acid container.

a) How to take an MSU: Click Here

b) Investigation to request:

CPD – select MICUF

ICE – select ‘Urine for MC & S’ from the Micro panel

2. Common Problems with urine samples

Wrong sample bottle used:

Always send a red topped container for ?UTI samples

Never use a red topped bottle for urine dipstix

Always send a white topped bottle for urinary antigen tests

3. Urgent microscopy required

CPD – set sample urgency status to ‘urgent’

ICE – set sample priority status to ‘urgent’

4. Treatment guidelines for community

Please Click Here

5. Urine for suspected Schistosomes

For S. haematobium a complete collection of urine voided between 10:00 and 14:00 is required. At least 3 such specimens should be examined. Serological tests to exclude Schistosomiasis may be requested after 3 months from the last exposure. The laboratory supplies suitable containers on request.

Web Page 41 Reviewed 28/06/19