Flow diagrams for processing urine cultures.

A protocol is presented for the processing of clean voided urine specimens, indwelling and nonindwelling catheter specimens, and special specimens, e.g., suprapubic aspirations, ureteral and kidney specimens, etc. Flow diagrams were developed which allow all urine cultures to be processed in a consistent and efficient manner. Criteria have been established to indicate when definitive identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are necessary.