When urethritis is suspected, urethral swabs from men and vaginal or cervical swabs from women are preferred over urine specimens for detection of genital myco/ureaplasmas. See Genital Specimens MC & S.

COLLECTION PROCEDURES

The following procedures are for patient-collect specimens and can be collected at home by the patient, with the exception of collection of a urine specimen from a catheter which requires the Collectors assistance and drug screening tests which require supervision by the Collector. Please indicate on request if urine is from an indwelling catheter. Urine from a catheter drainage bag is unsuitable for examination.

Mid-Stream Urine (MSU) for Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivities (MC&S)

1. Patient Identification

2. Prepare Collection Equipment

• 50 mL Yellow top sterile container
• Three sterile water wipes
• Label with patient details, the collection date and time

3  Hand Hygiene

The collector is required to explain the collection procedure to the patient

   Females:

• Cleanse the Labia front and back with a sterile water wipe. Discard the wipe and repeat twice
• Urinate the first stream into the toilet
• Collect the flow of the next 30 - 40 mLs into the sterile pot. A minimum of 10 mLs is required
• Collection of urine should be avoided during menses

   Males:

• Cleanse the tip of the penis with a sterile water wipe. Discard the wipe and repeat twice
• Withdraw the foreskin (if relevant) and urinate the first stream into the toilet
• Collect the flow of the next 30 - 40 mLs into the sterile pot. A minimum of 10 mLs is required

Urine to be examined for red cell morphology and casts should be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours after voiding.