Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Microbiology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
U
Test Code (Numeric Code)
2025
Laboratory Handling
Sample Stability
2 Hours
Synonyms
Urine
Bag Urine
Catheter Urine
Midstream Urine
MSU
Nephrostomy Urine
Urinalysis
Urine Culture and Sensitivities
Urine Dipstick
Urine Microscopy
Urine Microbiology
Turnaround Time
4 hours
Urines from all emergency departments, womens assessment unit, delivery unit, and high dependecy unit will have microscopy results available within 1 hour. Culture results for all urines will be available within 48 hours.
Specimen Type
- Urine
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Specimen Container
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
3
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Specimen Container
Pre-testing Requirements
Midstream urines
Thoroughly prepare patient to avoid contamination.
Catheter urines
Refer to "Catheterisation Policy" in Ward Nursing Manual.
Paediatric patients
0 - 1 year: In-Out Catheter samples or suprapubic aspiration (bladder stab) are the preferred specimen for culture. Clean catch urines have a higher risk of contamination however can be performed after adequate cleaning of perineal area. Paediatric bag urines are unreliable and extreme care is needed with the interpretation of results.
Over 1 year: Midstream specimens are satisfactory for culture.
Please read these Starship Guidelines attached for further information.
Additional Specimen Information
Midstream Urine Delphic Code: MU (2023)
Catheter Urine Delphic Code: CU (2024)
Bag Urine Delphic Code: BAGU (2175)
Last updated: 28/04/2026