Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen Type: Random urine collected by catheter or clean-catch, midstream technique
preferred Container/Tube: Sterile container

Acceptable Container/Tube: Inoculated agar plate(s)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.25 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Voided samples will be rejected.

2. Collect in a sterile container labeled appropriately with the method of collection (cath, midstream, bag, etc.)

3. Catheter collection: Follow proper nursing collection procedure.

4. “Clean catch, midstream” technique:

a. Carefully cleanse the peri-urethral area with two separate washes of plain soap and water or a mild detergent and rinse well with warm sterile water.

b. Flush the urethra by passing the first portion of the voiding, and discard.

c. Collect the subsequent voided urine directly into a sterile container.

d. Place the lid tightly onto the container.

e. Label the container properly and transport to the laboratory immediately for processing or refrigerate for up to 24 hours at 4° C.