Urine MCS

Urine M|C|S

Urine microscopy, culture, and sensitivity is a laboratory test that analyses urine specimens, isolating microorganisms (bacteria and fungi)or parasites causing infections in the body while deducing the right drug to kill those isolated organisms.

Urine in the bladder is normally sterile; microorganisms are usually present around the opening of the urethra; hence an early morning, clean-catch, midstream Urine is best used for this study. Urine microscopy can give an overview of the functions of various body parts associated with urine production and transportation, e.g. kidney, bladder, urethra etc. At the same time, the culture can help detect bacteria and fungi in urine. These organisms are responsible for urinary infection tract infections.

Who is this test for:

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are more common in females than males due to physiological attributes. Anyone suspicious of urinary tract infection can come for urine M|C|S.

Pregnant women are advised to do a urine MCS at several points during prenatal care as this can lead to premature labour or poor labour outcomes.

Symptoms of UTI:

Painful urination

Fever

Pain and discomfort in the lower back and abdominal area

Frequent urination

Urine stream difficulty

How is the test administered?

An early morning midstream clean catch urine is collected and taken to the laboratory for microscopy and culture.

We can equally collect urine using a bag, primarily with children and infants. Other specimen collection mediums include catheter urine suprapubic aspiration.

A urine M|C|S test usually takes 24-48hours.