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The effect of specimen processing delay on borate urine preservation
T Gillespie1, J Fewster, R G Masterton
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 9, 1999
Summary
Delaying urine sample processing, even with boric acid preservation, significantly alters culture results and clinical interpretation. Rapid sample handling remains the optimal method for accurate bacterial identification in urine specimens.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Diagnostic Laboratory Science
- Urology
Background:
- Urine culture is essential for diagnosing urinary tract infections.
- Boric acid is a common preservative for urine samples to allow for delayed processing.
- The impact of delayed processing on boric acid-preserved samples requires careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of delayed urine sample processing on culture results.
- To determine how boric acid preservation influences the clinical interpretation of urine cultures.
- To compare initial culture findings with those after overnight storage.
Main Methods:
- 792 mid-stream urine specimens were collected from general practice patients.
- Samples were preserved in boric acid-containing jars.
- Initial cultures were performed upon receipt, followed by overnight storage at room temperature and subsequent reculture.
Main Results:
- Delayed processing altered urine culture results in 16% of samples.
- Clinical interpretation of findings differed in 8% of specimens after overnight storage.
- The specific bacterium isolated changed in 3.5% of samples between initial and delayed cultures.
Conclusions:
- Overnight delayed processing of boric acid-preserved urine samples significantly impacts culture outcomes.
- Delayed processing can lead to changes in the clinical interpretation of urine culture results.
- Prompt transportation and processing of urine specimens are crucial for accurate diagnosis.