Urine
Red Top Urine Tube with Boric Acid
Please note that urine samples received in plain white top Universals without boric acid will be rejected by the laboratory, as lack of preservative may lead to bacterial overgrowth and subsequent issue of incorrect results.
For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):
Search for: ‘Urine MC&S‘ or test code ‘LAB348‘
Catheter urines become rapidly colonised with bacteria and treatment is only indicated for a catheter-related UTI if the patient has symptoms. Do NOT dip catheter urines (this is not helpful in the diagnosis of Catheter-related Urinary Tract Infection).
Only send a catheter specimen of urine (CSU) if the patient is pyrexial/unwell –– obtain a CSU before antibiotics are taken. Take the sample from the catheter, via a sampling port if provided, and use an aseptic technique (in line with NICE guidance). If the catheter has been changed, obtain the sample from the new catheter; if the catheter has been removed, obtain a Midstream Sample of Urine (MSU).
Pre-operative CSU are ONLY required if the patient is due to have urological surgery (in order to direct prophylaxis rather than to check for sterility as most CSU will NOT be sterile). Please indicate this on the request form.
Do not send catheter urines unless above conditions apply
Diagnosis of UTI
Processed locally in Microbiology at RDUH
24 hours negative
48-72 hours positive
Specimen Labelling Procedure
9018
