A midstream sample means you do not collect the first or the last part of urine, the sample is collected from the middle part of the urine stream.
You will need to ask your GP practice for a special urine container and a form. Label the urine container with your name, date of birth, the date and time of the sample. Some surgeries will attach a pre-printed label to the urine pot with your details on.
Most urine infections do not require an MSU to be done. This is because they are diagnosed on the basis of your symptoms. However, there are some situations where an MSU is recommended which include:
- to confirm a urine infection in cases where symptoms that are not typical of one.
- to decide which is the best antibiotic to use, particularly if you have had recent treatment with an antibiotic that has not cleared the urine infection fully.