Urine culture

Urine

If both urine FEME and urine culture are required, please send samples in separate containers. If obtaining separate (aliquoted) samples is not feasible, please call the laboratory in advance (6394 1352 / 1354) to request for an exception*. See additional information.

*Minimum volume is ≥ 0.5 mL 

  Optimal volume: 3 to 5 mL

(A) Collect and submit liquid urine samples (e.g. mid-stream, in-out catheter, bag urine, nephrostomy urine, etc.) during office hours. Mid-stream urine is the most common sample and is collected after washing the genital area with a cleansing agent. Store urine in a refrigerator if there is transport delay of >2 hrs after collection. Minimum required volume is 0.5 mL, optimum volume is 3-5 mL.

(B) Collect urine specimens and inoculate onto dipslides after hours.
1) Unscrew the slide from the tube without touching the agar surfaces.
2) Holding the dipslide by the cap, dip the slide into freshly voided urine so that the agar surfaces are totally immersed.
3) Allow excess urine to drain from the slide.
4) Blot the last drops on absorbent paper.
5) Screw the slide tightly back into the tube.
6) Attach the patient's label to the tube.

Note: If the volume of the urine sample is very small, the dipslide may be wetted by using either a sterile Pasteur pipette or a syringe, while tilting the slide to ensure complete wetting, and by collecting the urine in a second specimen container underneath the dipslide. If necessary, this procedure may be repeated with the urine from the specimen container underneath.