Urine Microbiology
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...
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.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
MSU, CSU, Clean catch urine, Pad urine etc in sterile Boric acid container
MSU, CSU, Clean catch urine, Pad urine etc in sterile Boric acid container
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
MSU, CSU, Clean catch urine, Pad urine etc in sterile Boric acid container
MSU, CSU, Clean catch urine, Pad urine etc in sterile Boric acid container
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Minimum Volume Adult:
20 ml
20 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 - 5 ml
1 - 5 ml
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
N/A
N/A
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
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Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
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Reference Ranges:
N/A
N/A
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 41)
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 41)