Turnaround Time Physician will be notified of all positive smears and cultures within the next workday. Negative smears and cultures are reported after 8 weeks.
Special Instructions The following information must be provided to the laboratory for the proper processing of the specimen: current antibiotic therapy, age and sex of patient, collection time and date, physician's name and pager number, and clinical diagnosis.
Specimen First morning voided urine (cystoscopy, urethral, midstream)
Collection Early morning specimens yield highest mycobacterial counts from overnight incubation in the bladder. Forced fluids dilute the urine and may cause reduced colony counts. Hair from perineum will contaminate the specimen. The stream from a male may be contaminated by bacteria from beneath the prepuce. Bacteria from vaginal secretions, vulva or distal urethra may also contaminate the specimen as may organisms from hands or clothing.
Storage Instructions Transport specimen to the laboratory within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerate specimen if it cannot be processed promptly.
Patient Preparation Thoroughly instruct patient for proper collection of "clean catch" specimen. Wash hands thoroughly. Wash penis or vulva using downward strokes four times with four soapy sponges, then once with sponge wet with warm water. Urethral meatus and perineum must be washed. Each sponge must be discarded after one use. Urinate about 30 mL (1 oz) of urine directly into toilet or bedpan - stop - position container and take middle portion of urine sample. Screw-cap securely on container without touching the inside rim. Apply the completed patient label to the specimen cup. Most patients, with instruction, do better with privacy than with an attendant.
Causes for Rejection Leaking specimen, insufficient specimen volume, 24-hour specimens
