Microbiological evaluation of a commercial transport system for urine samples.
Author(s): Eriksson I, Lindman R, Thore M
Publication: Scand J Clin Lab Invest, 2002, Vol. 62, Page 325-35
PubMed ID: 12387577 PubMed Review Paper? No
Suggested by: ISBER
Purpose of Paper
The purpose of this paper was to assess the utility of Hemogard Vacutainer tubes (Becton-Dickinson) containing boric acid, sodium formate, and sorbitol for the transportation and storage of urine specimens.
Conclusion of Paper
Storage of urine in tubes containing boric acid, sodium formate, and sorbitol or refrigeration of urine served to inhibit bacterial growth both in experimentally infected urine and in specimens obtained from patients with suspected urinary tract infections.
Studies
-
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare storage of urine in tubes containing boric acid, sodium formate, and sorbitol with storage in conventional tubes without bacteriostatic properties. Sterilized urine was experimentally infected with different microorganisms, and antibiotic solutions were added to the specimens.
Summary of Findings:
During a 24 hour period, most microorganisms grew readily when urine was kept in conventional tubes stored at room temperature (21-23 degrees C). However, storage of urine in tubes containing borate-formate-sorbitol or storage at 2-8 degrees C inhibited bacterial growth. Further, borate-formate-sorbitol tubes showed decreasing counts of some bacterial strains after 24 hours and performed slightly better at 2-8 degrees C than at room temperature.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
- Other Preservative
Diagnoses:
- Normal
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Cell count/volume Macroscopic observation Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Preservation Type of fixation/preservation Borate-formate-sorbitol
None (fresh)
Storage Storage temperature 2-8 degrees C
21-23 degrees C
Storage Storage duration 0 h
3 h
6 h
24 h
48 h
72 h
-
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of storage temperature and the use of tubes containing boric acid, sodium formate, and sorbitol on bacterial colony counts in urine specimens from patients with suspected acute urinary tract infections.
Summary of Findings:
All bacterial counts increased between bedside culture (0 h) and arrival at the laboratory 3 to 28 h later; however, in urine specimens kept in conventional tubes at room temperature, the increase tended to be greater. When specimens were recultured after 24, 48, and 72 h, statistically significant increases in bacterial counts were seen for conventional tubes stored at room temperature when compared to those stored at 2-8 degrees C or tubes containing borate-formate-sorbitol.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
- Other Preservative
Diagnoses:
- Other diagnoses
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Cell count/volume Macroscopic observation Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Preservation Type of fixation/preservation Borate-formate-sorbitol
None (fresh)
Storage Storage temperature 2-8 degrees C
21-23 degrees C
Preaquisition Diagnosis/ patient condition Suspected acute urinary tract infection
Storage Storage duration 0 h
24 h
48 h
72 h
Storage Between site transportation method Not transported
Unspecified transport method
Storage Specimen transport duration/condition Chilled conventional tube
Conventional tube at ambient temperature
Hemogard vacutainer at ambient temperatures