To funnel, or not? A look at collecting mid-stream urine specimens
Alison Pickering1, , 1Surgical Treatment And Rehabilitation Services (STARS), Herston, QLD, Australia
Background
High rates of potential contamination’s of urine microscopic culture and sensitivity (MCS) samples, was leading to overprescribing of antimicrobials amongst the geriatric and rehabilitation (G&R) inpatients. Traditionally, patients self-collected urine for MCS, using traditional jars which could lead to contamination of the sample due to incorrect handling of the specimen.
Method
A new product trial was undertaken by Infection Management in two G&R wards over a ten week period. The product consisted of the regular urine specimen jar, with the option for the patients to attach a sterile funnel to facilitate specimen collection. Often these patients have issues with vision and dexterity, and the aim of the sterile funnel attachment was to reduce the impacts of these physical limitations that resulted in the sample contamination. Three weeks before the start of the study, in-services were provided for staff and educational materials written in various languages with graphics were provided to patients. At the end of the trial, surveys were offered to all staff and patients who participated.
Results
A moderate reduction in antimicrobial prescribing has been seen with reviews still ongoing. 30% of staff who participated in the trial stated overall satisfaction was positive. Patient data was limited.
Conclusion
The use of the funnel collection method for urine MCS has resulted in a moderate reduction in prescribing antimicrobials and also provided an additional option of mid-stream urine collection for patients. New patient survey collection methods need to be explored to take into account cognition and staff time
Biography
I am the Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) of the Infection Management and Prevention team at Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) in Herston Brisbane. I have a passion for Paediatrics, immunisation, preventing urinary tract infections and streamlining surveillance programs to have a collaborative working relationship with health information management.
Qualifications:
Masters in public health, Communicable Disease Control – JCU
Immunisation Program Nurse – USQ
Graduate Certificate in Paediatric and Child Youth Health Nursing – QUT