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Contents
  • Preparing for the Sample
  • Collecting the Midstream Sample
  • Storing the Sample

How to Collect a Urine Sample for Accurate UTI Diagnosis

How to Collect a Urine Sample for Accurate UTI Diagnosis

The Big Picture

Gathering a proper urine sample is key to diagnosing a urinary tract infection (UTI). Here's how you can do it right.
Contents
  • Preparing for the Sample
  • Collecting the Midstream Sample
  • Storing the Sample

Preparing for the Sample

Before collecting a urine sample, it's important to clean the area around the urethra. This minimizes contamination from bacteria that naturally live on your skin. Use a non-foaming antiseptic solution to clean the area and dry it with a sterile swab. This step helps ensure that the sample truly reflects what's inside the bladder.

Collecting the Midstream Sample

The best sample is a midstream urine sample. Begin urinating into the toilet, then collect the urine midstream in a sterile container. This method reduces the likelihood of bacteria from the skin and urethra contaminating the sample, which can lead to inaccurate test results.
Step-by-step guide on how to collect a urine sample properly to ensure accurate diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Storing the Sample

Once collected, the urine sample should be taken to the lab immediately. If that's not possible, keep the sample cold by placing it in a sealed bag with ice. This prevents bacterial growth in the sample, which can alter the test results.

FAQs

Why is a midstream sample important?

A midstream sample reduces contamination from bacteria on the skin.

How should I clean the area before collecting urine?

Use a non-foaming antiseptic solution and dry with a sterile swab.

What if I can't get the sample to the lab immediately?

Keep the sample cold by storing it with ice to prevent bacterial growth.

Wrapping Up

Proper collection and storage of a urine sample are essential for accurate UTI diagnosis.
Try it out: Ensure your next urine sample is collected correctly by following these steps.
Additional References
  1. Bailey RR, Little PJ. Suprapubic bladder aspiration in diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Br Med J 1969; 1:293.
  2. LaRocco MT, Franek J, Leibach EK, et al. Effectiveness of Preanalytic Practices on Contamination and Diagnostic Accuracy of Urine Cultures: a Laboratory Medicine Best Practices Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2016; 29:105.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.