25 years female, diagnosed of urinary tract infection, has been told to give sample for urine culture and sensitivity. Which part of urine stream she should give in sample?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Mid part

Rationale:

A urine culture and sensitivity test is performed to identify the presence of bacteria or other pathogens in the urinary tract and to determine the most effective treatment. For accurate results, the sample collected must be representative of the urine in the bladder, not contaminated by bacteria from the urethra or external genitalia.
The midstream urine sample (also known as a clean-catch sample) is preferred because it minimizes contamination. The early part of the urine stream may wash away bacteria or debris from the urethra, while the later part may also carry contaminants. Collecting the mid part ensures the sample is representative of the bladder's contents.
The patient should be instructed to clean the genital area with sterile wipes, begin urinating, and then collect the urine after the initial flow has been discarded. This process reduces the risk of contamination and ensures the accuracy of the test.

Explanation of Other Options:

Early part

Rationale: The early part of the urine stream may be contaminated by bacteria, cells, or debris from the urethra or external genitalia. This can lead to inaccurate culture results and potentially misguide treatment.

Later part

Rationale: While the later part of the urine stream may be less contaminated than the early part, it still carries a risk of introducing non-representative bacteria or debris, especially if the flow has been disrupted or prolonged.

Any part

Rationale: Collecting any part of the urine stream without consideration for contamination increases the likelihood of introducing external bacteria or other artifacts into the sample. This can compromise the reliability of the urine culture results.

Conclusion:

The mid part of the urine stream is the most appropriate sample for a urine culture and sensitivity test as it reduces the risk of contamination and ensures the results are accurate. Proper collection techniques, including genital cleaning and discarding the initial urine flow, are essential for obtaining a reliable sample.