Evaluation of UriSwab, a collection device for urine cultures

Abstract

UriSwab is a collection device for urine cultures, which contains boric acid as a preservative agent, making it possible to preserve urine samples until processing in the laboratory. UriSwab is easy to use and, more importantly, lessens the risk for excessive growth or loss of pathogens. However, in Japan, no studies have been conducted on its use and sample stability during storage. We determined the collection condition of urine absorbed on the UriSwab sponge applicator and tested the viability of pathogens in the urine using Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC strain. No significant changes in the collection condition were observed. Therefore, we determined 60 s as the optimal collection condition due to the minimum standard deviation. Compared with a sterile tube, UriSwab significantly suppressed the overgrowths of E. coli and E. faecalis during storage at 25°C (p < 0.01) and prevented the decimation of N. gonorrhoeae during storage at 4°C (p < 0.01). Findings of our study suggest that UriSwab is a more reliable sample receptacle than sterile tubes.