Bacteriological Findings in Urine Specimens from Women: Association with Urinary Tract Symptoms and Sampling Methods

Abstract

Urine sampling techniques were recorded in 147 women who brought a sample of urine voided at home to the general practitioner's surgery. Seventy-two women had lower urinary tract symptoms, and 75 had no symptoms at all. Eighty-nine (61%) had taken a midstream specimen, 77 (52%) had cleansed the periurethral area. and 15 (10%) had held the labia apart during micturition. Combinations of these techniques were used by 71 women while 40 (27%) had used no specific technique. The bacterial content of the urine (defined as the number of different bacterial strains found) was not reduced by either cleansing or by taking a midstream specimen, but it was significantly reduced in the women who had held the labia apart during voiding (p < 0.05). Urine samples from women with symptoms had significantly lower bacterial content than those from patients who were free of symptoms (p < 0.01). Women should be encouraged to ensure the free flow of urine by holding the labia apart during urine sampling.

Key Words:

• urinary tract infections
• female
• bacteriuria
• family practice