Urine Culture

A clean catch specimen is necessary to confirm the presence or absence of infectious organisms. The specimen must be free of any contaminating matter that might be present on the genital organs. Cleansing agents, soap or detergent must be rinsed away from the urethral area before the specimen is collected.

For Female Patient

1. Remove the lid of the Sterile Cup with Transfer Port (Yellow).
2. If menstruating, first insert a fresh tampon or use cotton to stop the flow.
3. Separate the skin folds around the urinary opening.
4. Wash the urinary opening and its surroundings from front to back with a sterile antiseptic pad.
5. Begin urinating into the toilet, making sure to keep the skin folds apart with the finger of one hand. Wait until the urine stream is well established before moving the Cup into the path of the stream to catch the rest of the urine. Do not touch the Cup to the genital area. Fill the Cup 3/4 full.
6. Secure lid. Peel back the protective sticker of the Cup’s lid to expose the transfer port.
7. Insert the stopper of the Small Yellow Top Tube into the transfer port. This will pierce the stopper and allow to automatically fill. Allow tube to fill until flow ceases.
   Note: If less than 20 mL is collected, the Cup should be tilted to avoid drawing air into the tube.
8. Remove the tube and gently invert 10 times.
9. Discard the Cup after use. Do not send to the laboratory.
10. Do not centrifuge.
11. Use the bar code label with patient’s name and ID to identify the specimen.
12. Refrigerate at 2°- 8° C.
13. Due to short stability, specimen must be collected and shipped to the laboratory Monday through Friday only.
    

For Male Patient

1. Remove the lid of the Sterile Cup with Transfer Port (Yellow).
2. Wash the end of the penis with a sterile antiseptic pad.
3. Begin urinating into the toilet. Wait until the urine stream is well established before moving the Cup into the path of the stream to catch the rest of the urine. Do not touch the Cup to the genital area.  Fill the Cup 3/4 full.
4. Secure lid. Peel back the protective sticker of the Cup’s lid to expose the transfer port.
5. Insert the stopper of the Small Yellow Top Tube into the transfer port. This will pierce the stopper and allow to automatically fill.  Allow tube to fill until flow ceases.
   Note: If less than 20 mL is collected, the Cup should be tilted to avoid drawing air into the Small Yellow Top Tube.
6. Remove tube and gently invert 10 times.
7. Discard the Cup after use. Do not send to laboratory.
8. Do not centrifuge.
9. Use the bar code label with patient’s name and ID to identify the specimen.
10. Refrigerate at 2°- 8° C.
11. Due to short stability, specimen must be collected and shipped to the laboratory Monday through Friday only.