Preparing for laboratory automation and consolidation-Establishing the validity of pediatric-like low-volume urine samples in boric-acid containing tubes

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2024 Feb;108(2):116121. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116121. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

Microbiological services consolidation has increased the usage of preservative-containing urine tubes, potentially inhibiting pathogens in low-volume pediatric urine samples, yielding false-negative results. Our study demonstrates comparable growth with 1 ml versus the recommended 3 ml urine, following different shipping intervals. We advocate for regulators to consider similar large-scale validations, ensuring results' consistency.

Keywords: Lab automation; Low-volume urine; Preservative; Urine culture.

MeSH terms

  • Automation, Laboratory*
  • Boric Acids / pharmacology
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Specimen Handling* / methods
  • Urine / microbiology

Substances

  • boric acid
  • Boric Acids