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HelpTest Code LAB4549 CULTURE, URINE
Infectious
Specimen Type
Preferred Specimen: Urine C&S Tube ( Grey Top)
Alternative Specimen: Yellow Urine Tube, Transparent Red Top Tube, Sterile Leakproof Container
Collection Instructions
Voided Culture:
For females, spread labia. For uncircumcised males, pull foreskin back.
Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet and then move the sterile container into the path of the voiding urine. Do not instruct the patient to halt and restart the urinary system for a 'midstream collection'.
Straight Catheter:
This procedure is performed aseptically bya physician or a trained health care worker. Discard the initial 15-30 ml of urine and submit the next flow.
Indwelling Catheter:
Clean catheter port with alcohol. Use a needle and syringe to collect urine through port. An alternate method is to collect sample directly into a Vacutainer tube without anticoagulant (red top) using a Vacutainer holder and needle.
Sample Stability
Room temperature: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Boric Acid: 72 hours Room Temp
Method
Culture
Synonyms
Cx Urine, Urine Culture
Notes
Boric acid (gray top tubes) need to be filled to at least 3 ml. An incorrect ratio of preservative to urine could inhibit recovery of bacteria.
Rejection Criteria
Urine obtained from a catheter bag
Urine mixed with stool
Leaky specimens