Other urine microbiology tests (e.g. investigations for Chlamydia, Mycobacterium, Schistosomiasis, urinary antigen testing)
Urine samples being analyzed by PCR methodology
Urine samples for non-microbiology tests (e.g. biochemistry, virology, pregnancy testing)
Very small urine volumes (<20ml) e.g. neonates
Use of urinary dipsticks: boric acid may inhibit leukocyte esterase dipstick readings; dipstick testing performed on a sample in a boric acid container should be interpreted with caution.

If additional tests are required in addition to urine microscopy and culture, an additional sample in a white-topped universal container should be sent. In this case, it is advised that the mid-stream clean catch urine is collected in a sterile bowl and then transferred to the necessary specimen containers.
If, despite these measures, a patient has recurrent mixed growth reports from multiple urines, it may suggest that your patient has abnormal urinary tract architecture, immunosuppression or other non-infective cause that requires different laboratory investigations or referral to a specialist. If further information is required, please telephone the laboratory and ask to discuss the case with one of our consultant Microbiologists.