Changes to Urine Collection:
Due to supply issues with the current bottles used for Urine Microscopy and Culture, Microbiology will be changing to the Urine Monovette from June 2025.
Please see the letter provided below from the company which details the change, and information on training to be provided to all users from the end of May until the implementation date at the end of June.
Red topped urine bottles currently supplied expire 30/06/2025 but should be used until that date. Paediatric bottles in a smaller size will also be provided. When available to order the new products will be added to the Pathology supplies order form.
Urine Monovette Implementation (pdf)
Changes to Urine Microscopy Reporting from May 2025:
WBC and RBC will no longer be reported as a cut-off value, but always as a numerical value. The previous cut-off used for WBC was reflective of the value used to indicate the level of WBC where a culture would be positive, based on laboratory verification work. The value now used for the new system, based on local verification is WBC >50.
There is no normal range for RBC in urine and the presence can be affected by a number of factors.
Investigation of suspected Urinary Tract Infection. Samples are screened by automated microscopy and cultured if infection is likely or patients fall within a defined group. A urinalysis dipstick can be very helpful to select patients with a probable UTI before sending the urine sample.
Container / Tube
Green-Top Urine Monovette Boric Acid with collection tip.
Collection Conditions
For MSSU thorough cleansing of urethra with soap and water. Aseptic sampling technique for SPA, CSU, nephrostomy tube samples.
10 ml of urine for Monovette. 3 ml of urine in smaller tube (Paediatrics).
Availability
Mon – Sun, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Acute samples out of hours on request only.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ, LS9 7TF.
Turnaround Time
Microscopy – 2 days.
Culture – 3 days.
Additional Information
Urine samples should be sent in boric acid preservative. They should be filled to the line marked on the container to ensure the concentration of the preservative is not inhibitory. Smaller sample bottles are available for paediatric samples. Do not overfill the bottle.
ID
3601