Advantages and Disadvantages of Urine Collection Methods

Spontaneous micturition

No risk (eg, trauma, bacterial infection) to patient. Avoids iatrogenic hematuria.

Can contain debris (eg, bacteria, exudate) from lower urinary and genital tracts.

If bacterial growth appears in urine culture, must differentiate between urethral contamination and UTI.

Quantitative urine culture required.

Manual compression of urinary bladder

Provides method to obtain urine sample when voluntary micturition has not occurred.

Potential for trauma to urinary tract, resulting in hematuria.

Can be stressful for patient, especially if bladder is painful.

If bacterial growth appears in urine culture, must differentiate between urethral contamination and UTI.

Quantitative urine culture required.

Catheterization

Provides method to obtain urine sample when other methods of collection have failed.

Potential for trauma to urinary tract, especially urethra.

More invasive than other methods; sedation may be required.

Risk of introducing bladder infection.

If bacterial growth appears in urine culture, must differentiate between urethral contamination and UTI.

Quantitative urine culture required.

Least desirable method of urine collection.

Cystocentesis

Preferred method of collection for urine culture.

Avoids contamination of sample by debris (eg, bacteria, exudate) from lower urinary and genital tracts.

Provides sterile urine sample most reliable for bacterial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.

Potential risk of trauma if performed incorrectly or patient moves during procedure.

Potential for iatrogenic hematuria.

More invasive than spontaneous micturition.

Potential for bacterial contamination of sample if needle penetrates colon during procedure.