Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required.

Specimen Type: Urine

Collection Container/Tube: BD Vacutainer Urine Cup (storeroom item #S019470) or syringe

Submission Container/Tube: Grey-top (BD Vacutainer Urine C&S with Preservative) (storeroom item #S019473)

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions:

Collect only 1 of the following specimens:

Catheterized
1. Avoid sending urine that has remained stagnant in catheter tubing for any length of time, do not send catheter bag urine, and avoid sending urine from catheters that have been in place longer than 5 to 9 days.
2. Clean catheter with an alcohol sponge, puncture with sterile needle, and collect in sterile syringe.
3. Transfer urine into grey top tube. Check expiration dates and mix well.
4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source of specimen.
5. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.

Clean-Catch, Midstream

1. Collect a clean-catch, midstream urine specimen.

2. After voiding first few teaspoons, place urine cup under stream of urine and collect rest of urine in cup. One quarter cup is an adequate specimen for testing.
3. After finishing, tighten cap on cup securely, and wash any spilled urine from outside of cup.

4. Transfer urine to grey top tube.

5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source of specimen.
6. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.

Suprapubic Aspirate
1. Clean suprapubic skin with iodine followed by alcohol.
2. Be sure at least 4 to 6 hours has elapsed since last urination.
3. Insert 22-gauge needle attached to a 20-mL syringe into skin at about a 30° angle to abdominal wall, immediately superior to the symphysis in midline.
4. Aspirating as one penetrates, stop as urine is obtained; fill syringe with 10 mL to 15 mL of urine (infants may require a smaller syringe and needle).

5. Transfer urine into grey top tube. Check expiration dates and mix well.
6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source of specimen.
7. Place tube in a biohazard bag and seal.