Question

Collecting a urine sample for bacterial culture should be done before the rest of the urinalysis is performed:

A) To avoid contamination.

B) In order to be sure it is not forgotten.

C) Because the other tests kill bacteria.

D) Because it requires a large amount of urine.

Answer 1

Collecting a urine sample for bacterial culture prior to other tests is done to avoid contamination, ensuring accurate bacterial identification for effective antibiotic treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

A) To avoid contamination.

Collecting a urine sample for bacterial culture should be done before other parts of the urinalysis to minimize contamination. This is crucial for obtaining accurate results when determining the type of bacteria causing an infection. Contamination can come from the normal microbiota of the genital area, often introduced during the collection process. A clean catch of urine is important for this reason, involving washing the area and discarding the first part of the urine stream before collecting the sample. Urine cultures are sensitive procedures, requiring a sterile environment to correctly identify pathogens.

The culture is then observed to see if bacteria grow, which indicates an infection. Accurate bacterial identification aids in prescribing the most effective antibiotics for treatment. Tests conducted during the rest of the urinalysis, such as dipstick tests, might interfere with culture results. These tests help detect the presence of substances like nitrites or leukocyte esterase (LE), which can indicate infection but do not provide detailed information about the bacteria present, which is why the culture is essential.