Urethral Smear Microscopy

Examines cells and possible microorganisms in a urethral swab.

For an initial microscopic assessment of the cause of urethral discharge and inflammation.

1. Before the test, tell your doctor about any topical or systemic antibiotics.
2. Check in advance where the swab will be taken from and any preparation restrictions.
3. The sample is collected by a specialist using an approved method.
4. Additional note: check in advance how long to avoid urinating before the swab and how antimicrobial medicines may affect the result. Do not stop an antibiotic on your own.

Fasting is generally not required. If another test has been ordered at the same time, the overall preparation plan may change.

A specific time is generally not required. If your doctor has set a different time, follow those instructions.

• Incorrect collection or contamination of the sample
• Delayed delivery of the sample
• Certain medicines and coexisting conditions

Urethral swab

The specialist takes the swab from the appropriate site and transfers it to a glass slide or transport system intended for the specific test. Sample fixation and delivery conditions are set by the laboratory's SOP.

The result is interpreted together with symptoms, the patient's age and other tests; a single value does not always determine a diagnosis. What a high or low result means depends on age, symptoms, the method used and the reference interval.

If your result is outside the reference interval, you have symptoms, or your condition changes, contact your doctor. If symptoms are severe or develop quickly, seek emergency care.

Microscopy does not rule out all sexually transmitted infections; NAAT/PCR is sometimes needed.