When a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urine sample should be collected for microscopy, culture and sensitivity (M,C&S).  The patient should be instructed on the proper collection technique and what exactly “midstream clean catch” is. The sample must be sent to the laboratory in a urine monovette.
 
The sample should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.  If delays are inevitable, or for samples collected out-of-hours, storage at 4oC is essential.  Normally, a mid-stream urine (MSU) sample should be collected, but in catheterised patients a catheter specimen of urine (CSU) should be collected by aspiration from the rubber section (Port) in the catheter tubing. Prior to aspiration the catheter port should be disinfected with a 70% alcohol wipe.  Aspirate with a sterile needle and place the specimen in a urine monovette.  Do not collect urine from a collection bag.  Both form and specimen should be clearly marked as MSU or CSU as appropriate.  Bag urines from infants, clean catch specimens and supra-pubic aspirates (SPA)  may be sent as appropriate.
 
If prostatitis is suspected, three void bladder samples of urine should be collected: the first consisting of the first few ml of urine, the second a mid-stream sample, and the third after prostatic massage.  If expressed prostatic secretions are obtained, these may be sent separately.
 
If Mycobacterial infection is suspected, please collect 3 consecutive, complete early morning specimens (EMU)  into 500ml sterile containers.
 
For Schistosoma – send a terminal urine collected between 10am and 2pm. Light exercise such as walking up and down stairs prior to sample collection may improve detection rate. A patient information leaflet on taking a urine sample for schistosomiasis testing is available in the Information fro Patients section.
    
Urine for Viral Infections- Please discuss with the laboratory before collecting any specimens.