{"id":9911,"date":"2025-06-28T21:08:43","date_gmt":"2025-06-28T18:08:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=9911"},"modified":"2026-06-19T18:52:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T15:52:32","slug":"urethral-swab-microbiological-urethral-swab-in-the-diagnosis-of-ipsh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/urethral-swab-microbiological-urethral-swab-in-the-diagnosis-of-ipsh\/","title":{"rendered":"Urethral swab: microbiological evaluation of the urethra in the diagnosis of STIs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"397\" data-end=\"716\">Urethral swab is a basic laboratory method that remains <strong data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"538\">indispensable in the comprehensive assessment of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system<\/strong>. Despite the development of molecular diagnostics, it is direct microscopic analysis of a urethral smear that often allows <strong data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"688\">quickly navigate the pathogen<\/strong> and choose a starting therapy.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"718\" data-end=\"755\">Biological value of urethral swab<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"981\">The urethra is the anatomical structure through which urine passes, but it can also be <strong data-start=\"834\" data-end=\"876\">a reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms<\/strong>, especially in sexually transmitted infections. A sample taken from her mucous membrane allows you to assess:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1192\">\n<li data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1033\">\n<p data-start=\"985\" data-end=\"1033\"><strong data-start=\"985\" data-end=\"1020\">presence of leukocyte reaction<\/strong> (inflammation);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1034\" data-end=\"1101\">\n<p data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1101\"><strong data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1080\">morphological features of epithelial cells<\/strong> (signs of damage);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1192\">\n<p data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1192\"><strong data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1127\">presence of pathogens<\/strong>: gonococci, trichomonads, fungal colonies, bacterial aggregates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9913\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/111-2.jpg\" alt=\"urethral swab sampling scheme for men\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/111-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/111-2-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/111-2-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/111-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/111-2-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1246\">Laboratory approaches to urethral smear analysis<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1248\" data-end=\"1326\">Modern laboratory diagnostics involves several stages of biomaterial processing:<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1328\" data-end=\"1395\">1. Light microscopy (methylene blue or Gram stain)<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1638\">\n<li data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1463\">\n<p data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1463\"><strong data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1409\">Evaluates<\/strong> number of leukocytes, epithelium, presence of microflora.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1464\" data-end=\"1543\">\n<p data-start=\"1466\" data-end=\"1543\"><strong data-start=\"1466\" data-end=\"1496\">Typical picture of gonorrhea<\/strong> \u2014 intracellular diplococci, gram-negative.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1638\">\n<p data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1638\"><strong data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1578\">Typical picture of candidiasis<\/strong> \u2014 fungal hyphae or spores against the background of a pronounced inflammatory reaction.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1640\" data-end=\"1675\">2. Inoculation on nutrient media<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1866\">\n<li data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1781\">\n<p data-start=\"1679\" data-end=\"1781\">Required for selection <strong data-start=\"1704\" data-end=\"1740\">anaerobic or specific flora<\/strong>, which is not always detected microscopically.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1866\">\n<p data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"1866\"><strong data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"1796\">Advantage<\/strong>: allows you to evaluate <strong data-start=\"1821\" data-end=\"1865\">antibiotic sensitivity (antibiogram)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1868\" data-end=\"1904\">3. Molecular diagnostics (PCR)<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1906\" data-end=\"2077\">\n<li data-start=\"1906\" data-end=\"1988\">\n<p data-start=\"1908\" data-end=\"1988\">Detects genetic material <strong data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"1987\">chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, herpes viruses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1989\" data-end=\"2077\">\n<p data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2077\">Sensitivity &gt;95%, used as <strong data-start=\"2026\" data-end=\"2076\">diagnostic standard in asymptomatic cases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2079\" data-end=\"2132\">Clinical interpretation: leukocytes, flora, pathogens<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2134\" data-end=\"2182\">A normal urethral smear (in men) contains:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2302\">\n<li data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2214\">\n<p data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2214\">up to 5 leukocytes in the field of view;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2248\">\n<p data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2248\">single epithelial cells;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2302\">\n<p data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2302\">mixed nonspecific flora (in small quantities).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2530\"><strong data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2326\">More than 5 leukocytes<\/strong> in the field of vision - a sign <strong data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2361\">urethritis<\/strong>, even if there are no complaints. If at the same time they find <strong data-start=\"2413\" data-end=\"2438\">absence of gonococci<\/strong>, but there are mycoplasmas, chlamydia or trichomonads - we are talking about <strong data-start=\"2498\" data-end=\"2523\">nongonococcal urethritis<\/strong> (NGU).<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2579\">Male and female specifics of taking material<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2756\">\n<li data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2640\">\n<p data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2640\">In men, a sterile probe is used to take the sample to a depth of 2\u20134 cm.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2641\" data-end=\"2756\">\n<p data-start=\"2643\" data-end=\"2756\">In women, a urethral swab is less common, but is used when <strong data-start=\"2712\" data-end=\"2755\">genitourinary complaints without signs of vaginitis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2758\" data-end=\"2847\">In both cases, the material is taken <strong data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2813\">before urination<\/strong>, because urine washes out pathogens.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2849\" data-end=\"2897\">Comparison with other diagnostic methods <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/bakposiv-na-ipshsh-accurate-method-of-detecting-infected-infections\/\">STIs<\/a><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_80l1q_1\">\n<div class=\"_tableWrapper_80l1q_14 group flex w-fit flex-col-reverse\">\n<div class=\"table-scroll\"><table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"3308\">\n<thead data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"2943\">\n<tr data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"2943\">\n<th data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"2907\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Method<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2907\" data-end=\"2920\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Sensitivity<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"2931\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Advantages<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2931\" data-end=\"2943\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Disadvantages<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2989\" data-end=\"3308\">\n<tr data-start=\"2989\" data-end=\"3112\">\n<td data-start=\"2989\" data-end=\"3023\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Urethral swab (microscopy)<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3023\" data-end=\"3046\">70\u201380% (for gonorrhea)<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3046\" data-end=\"3079\">Accessibility, quick results<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3112\">Low sensitivity to chlamydia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3203\">\n<td data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3124\" data-col-size=\"sm\">PCR test<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3124\" data-end=\"3131\">&gt;95%<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3131\" data-end=\"3166\">Detects the pathogen in asymptomatic<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3203\">More expensive, requires quality control<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3204\" data-end=\"3308\">\n<td data-start=\"3204\" data-end=\"3215\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Back-sowing<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3215\" data-end=\"3245\">High (with active flora)<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3245\" data-end=\"3275\">Provides data on resistance<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3275\" data-end=\"3308\">Long-lasting result (3\u20137 days)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div class=\"sticky end-(--thread-content-margin) h-0 self-end select-none\">\n<div class=\"absolute end-0 flex items-end\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-start=\"3310\" data-end=\"3358\">The role of urethral swab in the modern protocol<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3360\" data-end=\"3506\">Despite the dominance of PCR in the private sector, urethral swab remains <strong data-start=\"3434\" data-end=\"3501\">mandatory initial test in dermatovenereology offices<\/strong>. This is:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3701\">\n<li data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3561\">\n<p data-start=\"3510\" data-end=\"3561\"><strong data-start=\"3510\" data-end=\"3560\">rapid method for detecting active urethritis<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3562\" data-end=\"3623\">\n<p data-start=\"3564\" data-end=\"3623\">basis for decision-making on immediate empirical therapy;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3701\">\n<p data-start=\"3626\" data-end=\"3701\">monitoring the effectiveness of treatment over time (in combination with PCR or culture).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3931\">A properly taken and analyzed urethral swab is <strong data-start=\"3767\" data-end=\"3828\">not just a formality, but a valuable diagnostic tool<\/strong>, which helps maintain reproductive health, prevent chronic infections, and avoid complications.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The urethral swab is a basic laboratory method that remains indispensable in the comprehensive assessment of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system. Despite the development of molecular<\/p>","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":9912,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[233],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9911","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rozshyfrovka-analiziv-ta-pidgotovka"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9911","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9911"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9911\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9912"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9911"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9911"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}