Stockport Pathology

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InvestigationCatheter Urine Sample (CSU)
IndicationsDiagnosis of Urinary tract infections Symptoms include: dysuria, frequency, urgency, urinary retention, suprapubic pain, flank pain and rigors. Samples will continue to be investigated from asymptomatic patients, for example pregnant women, paediatrics and pre operative urology patients
Specimen TypeCatheter Urine sample (CSU)
Request FormMicrobiology
Transport Medium10 ml Universal Container
Delivery TimeWithin 12 hours unless refrigerated
Storage Temp / Special conditionsRefrigerate at 2-4°C.
Turn around time for final test24 hours for negative samples3 working days for positive samples (*Resistant organisms which require further testing may take longer).
Uncertainty of testingPlease note, a proportion of older people in long term care will have asymptomatic bacteruria (40% women and 15% men). Diagnosis of urinary tract infections in these individuals MUST be based on clinical presentation with a urine sample ONLY being sent for confirmation and to investigate which antibiotic will be appropriate.
Reference rangeThis is a semi-quantitative test and all counts of 107/CFU /L are counted as significant. These samples will be processed with regards to identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing
Appropriate testing /re-testing intervalOnly send repeat post treatment specimens, if the patient becomes symptomatic again. If it is clinically important to ensure that eradication has occurred in patients such as pregnant women, children with ureteric reflux or patients with recurrent infections where relapse is thought to have occurred, then repeat specimens should not be sent before 3-4 weeks after the completion of treatment.
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