Directorate of Laboratory Medicine
CHANGES TO URINE MICROBIOLOGY REPORTING
As part of Microbiology’s ongoing commitment to quality improvement a new method for urine microscopy is
to be introduced. Urine microscopy can indicate possible infection of the urinary tract when an increased
number of white blood cells (WBC) and bacteria are detected. By using the more sensitive technique of flow
cytometry, infection of the urinary tract can be predicted with greater accuracy.
Together with additional information collected on automated analysis of urine samples, prediction of a
NEGATIVE culture can be made with 98% accuracy. These samples need not be cultured on a routine basis
and in the future will be reported, usually on the same day, as having no evidence of infection.
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As from 7
November 2012 urine samples with no evidence of infection by flow cytometry (WBC
count and bacterial cell count not raised) will not be cultured routinely. The report will usually be
available the same day and will provide a WBC count, RBC count and epithelial cell count together
with the comment ‘No evidence of infection. Culture not performed’.
Certain urine samples will always be cultured as a routine, due to the increased possibility of a clinically
significant bacteriuria in the absence of a cellular response. These will include samples from the following
patients:
Acute intensive care and high dependency units
Children aged 16 and under
Pregnant women
Organ transplant
Immunosuppressed (oncology patients, neutropaenic etc)
Dialysis unit
Urology inpatients (including all bladder urines)
Please continue to ensure the relevant clinical information is provided on the request form to allow
culture to be performed when appropriate.
For further advice or information please phone the laboratory on 0161 276 4424.
Many thanks
Dr Andrew Dodgson Clinical Lead
Consultant Microbiologist & Infection Control Doctor
Microbiology Department