URINE CULTURE
Collection of midstream specimen of urine without contaminating container and urine specimen. A urine culture is a laboratory test used to detect and identify the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms in a urine sample. It is commonly ordered when a urinary tract infection (UTI) is suspected or to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Purpose
- To collect uncontaminated urine specimen for culture and sensitivity test
- To detect the microorganism causes urinary tract infection (UTI)
- To diagnose and treat with specific antibiotic
General Instructions
- Urine should be collected in sterile containers
- Urine specimens for culture should be collected in the morning
- After washing the perineal area and drying collect a midstream specimen of urine in a sterile bottle
- For bedridden patients cauterized specimen of urine is taken
Preliminary Assessment
Check
- The doctors order for specific instruction
- The general condition and diagnoses of the patient
- Self-care ability of the patient
- Mental status to follow instructions
- Articles available in the unit
Preparation of the Patient and Environment
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Provide privacy
- Arrange the articles at the bedside
- Collect and arrange the culture bottle – from the laboratory
- Keep the laboratory request ready
Equipment
- Basin and soap
- Towel and sterile gloves
- Gauze pads 2-3 (if present on strict bed rest)
- Sterile culture bottle
- Laboratory request form
- Sterile K-Basin
Procedure
- Instruct patient to clean perineum with soap and water
- Open container and leave cover facing inside up
- Instruct patient to void into sterile K-Basin. If patient is unable to get out of bed
- Instruct patient to void directly into sterile container
- Collect 30-50 ml (1/2 – 3/4 of container) at mid-stream point of voiding
- Emphasize first and last portions of voiding to the discarded
- Cap container securely without touching inside of lid
After Care
- Label container with patients name, hospital number and date
- Send container to laboratory immediately with lab request
- Record the procedure in nurse record sheet and register in microbiology laboratory notebook
