Urine Culture (UF)

Pathology category

Microbiology

Code

UFC

Referral code

Request form

Test information

Urine samples are processed using Urine Image analysis. This determines whether a patient has a Urinary tract infection through detection or White Blood cells, Red Blood Cells and Bacteria. Where there is evidence of infection by this test, the sample will be cultured and sensitivity testing performed.For casts and crystals please request additionally on the request as they are not a routine UTI investigation, but may be useful in diagnosis of pyelonephritis (Casts) or organ dysfunction or kidney stones (Crystals).For these a manual microscopy would be performed.

Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Compliance with postal and transport regulations is essential. Specimens should be a mid stream urine sample in CE marked leak proof sterile specimen containers.Ideally, specimens should be transported and processed within 4 hours unless boric acid preservative is used. Use of boric acid or refrigeration will minimise deterioration up to the following limits Plain Universal: Testing within 4hours of collection or 48 if refrigerated Boric acid: Testing within 96hours (4 days)

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

100ml green topped container for urine collection, 15ml Monovette for sending urine for investigation to lab, 30ml plain universal in event of small sample.The concentration of Boric Acid has been shown to be inhibitory to bacteria if the volume is below 10 ml. If less than 10 ml urine use a white topped universal and send at least 1 ml.

Special requirements

Boric acid containers: must be filled to the line according to manufacturers instructions.Directions for use of monovette: 1. Remove stopper and keep for later use 2. Attach plastic straw, insert into container and fill monovette to the bottom of the label 4. To empty straw, hold monovette in upright position and pull plunger backwards to the bottom of the tube 5. Remove plastic straw, break off plunger and replace cap

Minimum volume

10ml. If the sample if small, please send at least 1ml in a white topped universal container.

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

Negatives : 1 day Positives 2 - 3 days

TAT Inpatient

TAT GP/Outpatient

Negatives : 1 day Positives 2 - 4 days

Referral lab

Local