Mid-stream Urine Collection For Microbiological Examinations And Culture (Females)

Patient Education

Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure that your test results are accurate and reliable.

IMPORTANT: Please let a laboratory Caregiver know if you are taking antibiotics.

1. Obtain a urine collection container from the outpatient laboratory and label it with your name, date of birth and date and time of collection.
2. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
3. Remove the lid from the collection container and place the container within easy reach.
4. Sit well at the back of the toilet. Part the skin folds (labia) and begin passing urine for about three seconds. Use your free hand to bring the container into the stream of the urine and collect about half a container of urine. Any remaining urine should be passed into the toilet.
5. Secure the cap on the collection container firmly.
6. Deliver the specimen to the outpatient laboratory IMMEDIATELY (within one hour) after collection. If the delivery is delayed, refrigerate the specimen.