Microbiology
| Full details for "Urine culture and Cell Count". | |
|---|---|
Name |
Urine culture and Cell Count |
Alternative name/Profile |
mid stream urine / mid-stream urine / MSU / Catheter specimen urine / CSU / Urinary tract infection / UTI / cystitis / pyelonephritis / urine microscopy / bacteriuria / pyelonephritis / |
Department |
Microbiology |
Investigation |
|
Specimen type |
Urine |
Sample type |
|
Sample container & volume |
10 mL of urine in a Sterile Universal Container |
Frequency of analysis |
Monday to Saturday during routine working hours. Urgent samples are processed 24/7 |
Turnaround time |
3 days* |
Availability |
Monday - Saturday. Urgent samples are processed 24/7, Please alert the on-call staff if sending an urgent samples. |
Notes |
*Microscopy results may be available on the day the specimen is received. Cell count is determined by automated microscopy. When automated microscopy is not available an alternative method of measuring cellular components of urine is performed. It is probably reasonable to treat a young sexually active female with symptoms of simple cystitis empirically but a urine specimen should be sent for microbiological examination from all other cases. In severe or complicated UTI, a follow-up specimen should be taken 5 days post completion of antibiotic therapy. Persistence of bacteriuria implies a structural abnormality. Send a mid-stream specimen of urine (MSU) where possible. Specimens should be processed within 4 hours. In General Practice if transport to the laboratory has to be delayed, the specimen can be stored at 4° C for up to 48 hours. A catheter specimen of urine (CSU) may also be sent to the laboratory although as bacteriuria occurs in the vast majority of patients who are catheterised for more than 5 days, a urine specimen should only be sent if there are symptoms or signs suggestive of a urine or a systemic infection. |
Related links |
For further information please consult https://www.stjames.ie/services/laboratorymedicinelabmed/microbiology/ |
Reference range |
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Last updated |
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:43:41 GMT |