Name of the Procedure:

Culture, bacterial; quantitative colony count, urine

Summary

This procedure involves collecting a urine sample and testing it in a lab to determine the quantity and type of bacteria present. This helps diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) by providing a precise count of bacterial colonies.

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to identify and quantify bacterial colonies in the urine to diagnose urinary tract infections. The expected outcome is to determine whether an infection is present and to identify the specific bacteria causing it.

Indications

• Symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, cloudy or bloody urine.
• Patients with recurrent UTIs.
• Suspicion of a urinary tract infection based on initial symptoms or previous medical history.

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to collect a midstream urine sample to avoid contamination.
• No fasting is required, but following specific hygiene instructions before sample collection is important.
• It may be necessary to discontinue certain medications temporarily, as advised by the healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. The patient cleans the genital area with provided antiseptic wipes.
2. The patient begins urinating and collects a midstream sample in a sterile container.
3. The urine sample is sent to a laboratory.
4. In the lab, the sample is cultured on a growth medium to allow bacteria to multiply.
5. The number and type of bacterial colonies are counted and identified.

Tools/Equipment: Sterile urine collection container, antiseptic wipes, laboratory growth medium. No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

• Sample Collection: A few minutes.
• Laboratory Analysis: 24 to 48 hours.

Setting

• Urine sample collection: Outpatient clinic or at home.
• Laboratory analysis: Performed in a medical laboratory.

Personnel

• Urine collection: Typically guided by a nurse or healthcare provider.
• Laboratory analysis: Performed by laboratory technicians or microbiologists.

Risks and Complications

• Contamination of the urine sample leading to inaccurate results.
• Minor discomfort during sample collection.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of UTIs.
• Identification of the specific bacteria allows for targeted antibiotic treatment.
• Rapid relief of symptoms once appropriate treatment is initiated.

Recovery

• No significant recovery period is needed.
• Follow any additional instructions provided by the healthcare provider based on test results.

Alternatives

• Dipstick urine test for infection markers (less precise).
• Empirical antibiotic treatment based on symptoms without specific testing (risk of incorrect antibiotic use).

Patient Experience

• Minimal discomfort or inconvenience during urine sample collection.
• Prompt communication of results and treatment plan.
• Pain relief measures mostly not required unless UTI symptoms are severe.

This markdown text provides a clear and detailed overview of the bacterial culture procedure for quantitative colony count in urine, suitable for patient education purposes.