011/3393000
011/3392000
060/3392004
Gundulićev venac 5, Beograd

Patient Preparation for Microbiological Testing

URINE CULTURE

• Prior to collecting the sample, perform morning hygiene (wash with warm water and soap).
• Bring a fresh, first-morning urine sample (midstream) in a sterile container.
• You can buy a sterile container at a pharmacy or obtain one at the BioDiagnostica reception.
• If you opt for an uricult test, it is necessary fill the uricult container with urine, then place the lid with the nutrient back into the container for 3 to 5 seconds, pour out all the urine from the container, and return the lid with the soaked nutrient medium back on the container.
• If the urine culture sample is taken for from a small child, we recommend using a sterile pediatric urine bag, which should be placed after performing hygiene. A sterile pediatric urine bag can be purchased at a pharmacy. The urine from the bag is not transferred to a sterile container but is delivered to the laboratory as is.

THROAT SWAB

• The throat swab is best taken in the morning before eating or drinking, and before brushing teeth.
• The swab should be taken before starting antibiotic therapy.
• A follow-up sample after antibiotic therapy should be taken at least 7 days after completing the therapy or upon doctor’s orders.

NOSE, EAR, AND EYE SWABS

• Do not use antibiotic drops or ointments for at least 1 day before taking the swab.
• A follow-up sample after antibiotic therapy should be taken at least 7 days after completing the therapy or upon doctor’s orders.

SPUTUM SAMPLE

• It is best to collect the sputum sample in the morning, before eating and brushing teeth.
• Collect at least 3 consecutive samples (3 mornings in a row, one sample each) because it is a random sample, and conclusions based on a single sample may be incorrect.
• Consult with trained medical personnel for the correct sampling technique.

PERIANAL SWAB

• The swab should be taken in the morning without prior washing of the area around the anus. Use clear tape and evenly apply it to the glass slider (provided by the laboratory).

COPROCULTURE

• The sample can be brought to the laboratory throughout the day but no later than 3 hours after collection.
• Collect the stool sample using the spoon provided in the originally sealed container (obtained at the BioDiagnostica reception desk or purchased at a pharmacy).