How to collect Midstream Specimen of Urine (MSU)?

This post was most recently updated on October 29th, 2018

Instructions for female patients to collect midstream urine for bacterial culture

1. Remove undergarments.
2. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, rinse them, and dry them on a disposable paper towel or shake off excess water.
3. Spread labia, with one hand, and keep them continuously apart.
4. Open the WASH PACK and wash the urinary opening and the surrounding area. Discard the cloth in the waste basket.
5. Take the open sterile cup in the other hand without touching the rim or inner surface of the cup or lid.
6. Void 20 to 25 ml into the toilet and catch a portion of the rest of the urine in the container without stopping the stream. Do not touch the legs, vulva, or clothing with the cup.
7. Place the lid securely on the cup.
8. Immediately transfer to the microbiology laboratory or follow the procedure as indicated by the Hospital personnel.

Instructions for male patients to collect midstream urine for bacterial culture

1. Remove undergarments.
2. Wash hands.
3. Retract the foreskin completely.
4. Wipe head of penis in a single motion with first towelette. Repeat with second towelette. If not circumcised, hold foreskin back before cleansing.
5. Void 20 to 25 ml into the toilet and catch a portion of the remaining urine in the cup without stopping the stream. Do not touch the cup with the penis.
6. Place the lid on the cup securely
7. Immediately transfer to the microbiology laboratory or follow the procedure as indicated by the Hospital personnel.