An evaluation of the gram stain and chocolate agar culture as part of a routine urine culture set-up.

A total of 219 urine specimens were Gram stained and inoculated onto 5% sheep blood, eosin methylene blue and chocolate agars. Culture and smear results were evaluated to determine if the Gram stain and chocolate agar culture yielded further meaningful information. Additional information was gained in 42 (19%) of the specimens; however, most of the results were not considered significant. The analysis suggests that a Gram stain and/or chocolate agar culture is not warranted for routine urine culture set-up.