Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
A urine microscopy and culture may be ordered when symptoms indicate the possibility of a urinary tract infection, such as pain and burning when urinating and frequent urge to urinate. The presence of pus cells in the urine may be indicative of infection while a culture identifies the specific causative organism. Antibiotic therapy may be prescribed without requiring a urine culture for symptomatic young women who have an uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection. If there is suspicion of a complicated infection or symptoms do not respond to initial therapy, then a culture of the urine is recommended. Pregnant women without any symptoms may be screened for bacteria in their urine, which could affect the health and development of the fetus.
Specimen container paediatric:
White top Universal or BD Vacutainer tube MUST be used for a paediatric urine sample. Urine types include: MSU, CSU, clean catch urine, Pad urine, SPA, etc.
Specimen container adult:
Boric Acid tube (10ml) MUST be used for the following urine types: MSU, CSU, clean catch urine, Pad urine, potty urine, stoma, urostomy, ileal conduit, early morning urine, suprapubic catheter, mitronoff catheter, urine.
White top universal MUST be used for the following urine types: SPA, cystoscopy, ureteric urines, pre & post prostatic massage, bladder urine, kidney or nephrostomy urine.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 – 5ml
Minimum volume adult:
10ml
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, Boric Acid samples DO NOT need to be refrigerated, but other samples MUST be refrigerated at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Boric Acid tubes (10ml) are stable for 96 hrs at ambient temperature, whereas urine collected in a white top universal should be tested within 4 hours for reliable results.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
N/A
Quality assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS).
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable.
Reference ranges:
N/A
Factors affecting result:
If delays are likely for urine collected in a White top Universal, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Referenced documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 41)
Other Info:
Primary Tubes containing Boric Acid should be used for Adult urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MC&S), instead of White top universals. By exception only, White top universals can be used for paediatric or patients where the minimum volume of urine is not obtainable.
Do not
- use Boric Acid containers for TB Culture
- use Boric Acid containers for Chlamydia PCR
- use Boric Acid containers for Parasitology
- use Boric Acid containers for All Blood Science tests
- discard the powder present in the Boric Acid containers. This is a preservative to stabilise the specimen. Specimen collection cups are available to help obtain the sample and transfer to the Boric Acid containers.